Mayor Janey, Boston EMS celebrate new EMT graduates

Today Boston Mayor Kim Janey and Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief James Hooley celebrated the graduation of 13 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) recruits in a small ceremony at Faneuil Hall. This graduating class will be assigned to 911 ambulances, bolstering the City of Boston's Emergency Medical Services.

“Boston EMS has played a vital role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring residents receive the care they need in every type of emergency,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Congratulations to our newest class of EMTs. Thank you for your service on behalf of the entire City of Boston, during the pandemic and beyond."

This academy class has endured and overcome the challenges of successfully completing an academy while on the frontlines of the City’s response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Boston EMS EMTs and paramedics have provided care to over 5,300 COVID-19 positive patients.

“Although our newest EMTs, the men and women recognized today are already seasoned members of the department, having responded to over 2,300 9-1-1 medical emergencies during the academy, including 186 cardiac incidents, 676 illnesses, 241 injuries, 46 overdoses and 205 behavioral health emergencies,” remarked Chief of Department, Jim Hooley.

Today's ceremony formally recognizes the 13 recruits’ successful completion of a demanding post-hire training program for EMTs. Already state-certified EMTs prior to their hire, this graduating class completed an additional six months of classroom and field training while complying with COVID-19 safety protocols. With guidance from experienced EMT field training officers, recruits are not only prepared to care for patients, regardless of the circumstances, they also now understand the level of care, clinical excellence and professionalism expected of Boston EMS EMTs.

Boston EMS is one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 120,000 emergency medical incidents per year. As a bureau of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), Boston EMS is committed to serving Boston's residents through clinical excellence, emergency planning and preparedness, and community outreach.

ABOUT BOSTON EMS

Boston EMS is the primary provider of emergency medical services for the City of Boston and is a nationally recognized leader in the field of pre-hospital emergency medicine. The department leverages the latest advances in both medicine and technology to bring high-quality, compassionate care to the people of Boston. Boston EMS also plays a key role in the City's emergency preparedness efforts and provides community programming designed to educate the public about important health and safety topics.

ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION

The Boston Public Health Commission, one of the country's oldest health departments, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission's more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Emergency Medical Services; Child Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; and Recovery Services.