Medical Direction

Paramedics practice under the medical license and clinical oversight of physician Medical Directors. While paramedics provide advanced life support in the field, every treatment protocol, medication, and procedure is developed, reviewed, and supported through medical direction. This partnership ensures patients receive safe, evidence-based care while allowing Sussex County EMS to continually advance through education, quality improvement, clinical research, and innovation. Delaware law also assigns EMS Medical Directors responsibility for medical oversight, protocol development, quality assurance, and provider support across the EMS system.

 

 

More Than Medical Oversight

At Sussex County EMS, medical direction is more than reviewing protocols or providing physician signatures. Our Medical Directors are active, engaged members of our organization who work alongside our providers to continually improve patient care. Their commitment to clinical excellence extends well beyond the hospital, ensuring our paramedics have direct access to physician leadership, mentorship, and support.

Medical Director

Dr. Paul Cowan, DO, FACEP

Dr. Paul Cowan has served in EMS medical leadership for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Medical Director for Sussex County EMS. A board-certified emergency medicine physician, he practices with Sussex Emergency Associates (SEA) and provides emergency care at Beebe Healthcare’s Emergency Departments in Lewes and Millville.

Before becoming a physician, Dr. Cowan was a Nationally Registered Paramedic, giving him a unique understanding of prehospital medicine. His leadership in protocol development, clinical innovation, quality improvement, provider education, and field response continues to advance the delivery of emergency medical care throughout Sussex County.

Associate Medical Director

Dr. Jonathan Hilton, MD

Dr. Jonathan Hilton serves as Associate Medical Director for Sussex County EMS and is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with Sussex Emergency Associates (SEA) at Beebe Healthcare. Prior to his medical career, Dr. Hilton spent summers working as an ocean lifeguard in Ocean City, Maryland, an experience that sparked his appreciation for the Delmarva coast and emergency response. He also proudly served in the United States military before continuing his career in emergency medicine.

Today, he is an active presence within Sussex County EMS, participating in field training, simulation, ride-alongs, provider education, and protocol development while mentoring paramedics and supporting clinical excellence across the system.

Delaware State Medical Director

Dr. Robert Rosenbaum, MD, FACEP, FAEMS

Dr. Robert Rosenbaum serves as Delaware’s State EMS Medical Director, providing physician leadership for emergency medical services throughout the State of Delaware. Board-certified in Emergency Medicine with subspecialty certification in EMS Medicine, he oversees statewide treatment protocols, quality improvement initiatives, medical oversight, and clinical advancement.

Working closely with local EMS agencies, medical directors, and the Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Rosenbaum has helped lead the implementation of innovative, evidence-based practices that continue to strengthen prehospital care across Delaware.