Barbara Ireland
Director of Communications

Barbara Ireland became Director of Communications for New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) after Hurricane Katrina. As such, she has been an integral part in the rebuilding of the Orleans Parish 911 Center and Public Safety radio communications. She is a member of Louisiana Region 1 Radio Interoperability Committee, establishing radio communication interoperability within Louisiana’s Region 1 Public Safety agencies and with Louisiana State Police.

She began her career with the City of New Orleans as a field paramedic in 1985. Since achieving Emergency Medical Coordinator, Assistant (Supervisor) in 1987, she has filled several different roles including that of a field supervisor and as Education Coordinator.

Barbara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of New Orleans and an Associate Science - Paramedic from Delgado Community College. She also holds several instructor credentials, teaching for Louisiana State Bureau of EMS, the American Heart Association, and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

In her leisure time she is a volunteer with Audubon Zoo, a member of a Star Wars costuming group working with children’s charities, enjoys family and traveling.