Those who have benefited from the services of emergency medical technicians and paramedics owe at least some of their thanks to Dr. Robert Aranosian.
Hailed as the pioneer of emergency medical services in Oakland County, Aranosian lost his life Thursday, Dec. 17 in a car crash in Bay County at age 61.
The Clarkston resident was director of emergency services at POH Medical Center in Pontiac and chairman of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority, the sanctioning body for paramedics and EMTs. It was in 1975 that Aranosian helped establish the first program to have trained paramedics on ambulances out of Pontiac.
Over the years, Aranosian also served in numerous other medical posts. Among 30 current professional activities, he was deputy medical examiner for Oakland County, physician director for the Pontiac Silverdome, Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theater. He has been published in nine medical publications, and was sought for between 50 and 70 medical presentations a year.
With his many professional accolades, Aranosian was perhaps better known for his willingness to keep ties with the people on the front lines of emergency medical services.
‘He was always helpful to the fire departments in the county,? Independence Township Fire Chief Steve Ronk said. ‘Anytime we needed something, he was always there.?
Aranosian let people do their jobs, but he was not above stopping to offer his own assistance in emergencies, Ronk said.
‘It was not unusual for us to have a major incident somewhere, and you would turn around and there was Dr. Bob.?
Bob Cesario, EMS director for the Independence Township Fire Department, said Aranosian’s legacy is assured.
‘Dr. Aranosian is probably going to be remembered as the father of emergency medical services in this county,? Cesario said. ‘He trusted us. He knew the system he helped build.?
Cesario admitted the shock coming from the news of Aranosian’s car crash.
‘It’s ironic that this would be the way he died,? he said. ‘He’s going to be sorely missed.?
Aranosian’s passion for local service also included joining the political arena. He ran unsuccessfully for Independence Township trustee in 2000, including public safety as part of his platform.
‘Police and fire services must be expanded,? he said in a campaign questionnaire provided to The Clarkston News. Population growth and utilization of township services demand an increase in police and fire services.?
Aranosian was born in Detroit April 18, 1942, the son of Barkey and Satenie (Keteyian) Aranosian. He was a graduate of Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he became assistant clinical professor of emergency medicine from 1971 to the present. Licensed as an osteopathic doctor in Michigan and Kentucky, he was board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine in 1981.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia J. (nee Dixon) Aranosian; children, Bryan (Carrie) Aranosian, Nicole (Brian) Barker, Mary Beth Aranosian, Andrea Aranosian, Anna (Brent) Barger, Alexis Aranosian, Jennifer Thayer; grandchildren, Nathan (Kaya) Barker, Rylee and Plivia Aranosian, Austin and Robert Barger, Jacob Thayer. Sisters: Christine (Hachig) Kazarian, Diana (Martin) Shoushanian. Brother: Richard (Barbara) Aranosian; and many nieces, nephews realtives and friends.
Memorial tributes may be sent to ‘Dr. Robert D. Aranosian Memorial Fund? c/o 5/3 Bank (Attention Private Banking) 1000 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075.