Dr. José Luis Gilarranz was a key figure in the development of advanced medical help systems in emergency field, mainly in urban settings.
Jose Luis Vaquero Gilarranz was born in Madrid in 1954, the son of a humble family began his work in the City of Madrid as a lifeguard at the local sport facilities; simultaneously studying nursing and medicine, being firs t nurse by selective examination and then doctor in the same manner for the Madrid City Council.
In 1990 he founded the Municipal Service of Emergency and Rescue and was Director of SAMUR until 2003. Tireless fighter, he made great efforts to improve coordination between different emergency services.
Is in possession of the Cross of Civil Merit, Cross of Police Merit, Cross of Isabel the Catholic, Gold Meritorious Citizen of the Community of Madrid and the Cross of Andalusia Protection of Civil Merit.
José Luis Gilarranz is an indisputable reference for emergency health services at the international level.
He died on February 20, 2009 in Madrid after suffering a painful disease which he fought until the last minute.