City Council celebrates Boston EMS workers

In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized the first National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week to honor Emergency Medical Technicians and other EMS practitioners. This week, the Council adopted a resolution recognizing May 17, 2020 through May 23, 2020 as EMS week in the City of Boston.



Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) chose this year’s theme to be “Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow.”



Boston EMS and Paramedics field on average 110,000 911 calls for help each year and transport nearly 73,000 people to area hospitals.



EMS Chief Jim Hooley and all EMS workers across the City were recognized in honor of EMS week and joined the Council during this week’s virtual Council meeting. “Chief Hooley, who has been a part of the EMS family for 35 plus years has always been a steadfast leader in his work. We celebrate [him] and all that [his] department does,” said Councilor Essaibi-George.



The resolution states that Boston EMS cares for patients with clinical proficiency, professionalism and compassion and they have risen to the challenges associated with COVID-19, caring for thousands of suspected COVID-19 patients and over 1,800 who have tested positive, to date.