Contact us Where did the name NorthStar EMS originate?According to Tony Smelley, our CEO , back in 1992 when he and a few colleagues were discussing starting an ambulance service, the question regarding a name came up. After several suggestions had been tossed about, someone started talking about the importance of what this group was about to do in starting a new EMS service. This was something new, and the Team would need guidance to make this journey a success. Where best to turn when you need guidance, but to the North Star? Embarking on this journey truly needed a NorthStar. The real kicker was that the new ambulance service was about to realize it's start-up in Northport, Alabama. The word North just had to be used. Therefore the name was adopted and the new company began operations as NorthStar Paramedic Services.for more information