Boston EMS Graduates Largest EMT Class Ever; 2 East Boston residents included

BOSTON (July 2, 2008) - About a year ago, Andrew Shea was working security at a local mall when a fight broke out and he was sent to investigate a possible injury. What he found was a stabbing victim lying in a large pool of blood. Andrew quickly called for Emergency Medical Services while applying pressure on the wound. Though he had no medical training, his quick thinking and actions helped to save a man’s life and got Andrew thinking about a new career.

Today, Shea is one of 31 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) graduating from the Boston EMS Academy at a ceremony at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School in Dorchester. He is part of the largest class of EMT graduates in Boston EMS history as the agency works to expand its force of emergency medical responders. The ceremony will also mark the promotion of 6 EMTs to the rank of paramedic.

“These graduates provide a safety net for our most vulnerable citizens and respond whenever our residents are in need,’’ said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the keynote speaker at the ceremony. “I know this history-making EMT graduating class will uphold the high standards of Boston EMS and continue to make our city proud.’’

All of the graduating EMTs hold a state certification when they apply to Boston EMS and many have worked for other EMS agencies. Boston EMS runs a rigid testing process and selects only the top applicants for acceptance into the Boston EMS Academy, a 12-week classroom and 15-week field internship program where they are trained to respond to medical emergencies in a busy, urban environment. This rigorous program also includes training in crime scene and ballistics investigations and preservation, domestic violence intervention, hazmat response, and emergency vehicle operation.

“Boston EMS demands that the highest medical standards be met by our EMTs and paramedics,” said Boston EMS Chief Richard Serino. “They work hard to meet the challenges we present to them and they are unfailing in their commitment and professionalism.’’

Diana Jerzylo is proud to be among the Academy graduates. She credits the rapid response and intervention of Boston EMS for giving her seven additional years to spend with her father after he had a heart attack. Inspired by their work, she hopes to someday become a paramedic. “This is a dream come true for me,” she said.

Boston EMS is accepting applications for their January, 2009 EMT Academy class. Boston EMS requires applicants to hold a current EMT certification and successfully complete written and practical examinations, and an oral interview before admission into the Academy. For more information, visit Boston EMS at www.cityofboston.gov/ems.

For More Information Contact:
Kate Sullivan, 617 343-1062