Boston EMS graduated 20 new EMTs

Today, in a ceremony at Faneuil Hall held before family and friends, 20 recruits graduated from the Boston Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Training Academy after six rigorous months of study. Among those addressing the graduates were Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Boston Public Health Commission Executive Director Barbara Ferrer, and Boston EMS Chief of Department James Hooley. 

The ceremony also formally recognized six EMTs who were promoted to the position of paramedic in March. Paramedics, promoted from the internal ranks of veteran EMTs, are selected after completing a competitive process that includes a 500-hour internship and an oral review board.

“As one of the finest EMS systems in the country, Boston EMS is at the cornerstone of public health and safety,” said Mayor Walsh. “Through compassionate care and dedication, our EMTs and paramedics serve the residents of Boston during their most vulnerable moments, offering expert medical care and support. I know today’s graduates will continue in that tradition, upholding the values of Boston EMS and making our city proud.”

Like the city they serve, the 11 male and nine female graduates come from diverse backgrounds and speak multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, and Cape Verdean Creole. Two graduates are versed in American Sign Language, further strengthening the force’s communication skills, language capacity, and ability to communicate effectively with everyone in Boston.

The recruits, already state-certified EMTs, completed an additional 12 weeks of classroom training and practical scenario work, as well as a 15-week field internship program, to prepare them for providing the best possible care in a busy urban system. Training officers from Boston EMS and partner agencies worked diligently over the last six months to prepare the recruits to respond skillfully in a variety of situations, including mass casualty incidents, domestic violence, hazmat exposures, bomb stand-bys, transportation accidents, and life-threatening emergencies.

“I am proud of our newest EMTs for successfully completing the Academy,” said Chief Hooley. “We set the highest standards for each recruit class and they have risen to the challenge. I welcome them as full-fledged members of Boston EMS.”

During their field training, recruits have responded to over 4,900 calls ranging from minor incidents to life-threatening emergencies and have been on hand to staff large-scale events such as the 118th Boston Marathon and the recent 4th of July festivities. Several members of the graduating class have already been instrumental in saving lives.