R Adams Cowley

R Adams Cowley (July 25, 1917–October 27, 1991) was an American physician considered a pioneer in emergency medicine and the treatment of shock trauma.

Cowley was born in Layton, Utah. He was instrumental in the creation of the first statewide EMS system in the United States in his home state of Maryland, which included the first use of helicopters for civilian medical use, and founded the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services, which was renamed the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center after his death. He is also credited with conceiving the concept of the golden hour.

Outside of the practice of medicine, Cowley was also an elder in the Mormon Church.

Cowley is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy is continued by Roberta S. Cowley, wife, and R Adams Cowley II, son.

First name
Cowley's grandfather had wanted him named "Rufus" after himself, but his mother disliked the name. So Cowley's official first name became simply "R", and he insisted that it be written without a period after it.