BOSTON — A Boston woman says she was inspired to become a Boston EMT because of the ones that saved her brother’s life.
Taishana Lewis’ younger brother was shot five times in a drive-by shooting in June 2009. After being shot, he was dragged down the street by the car.
Lewis repeatedly called her brother asking if he wanted a ride from the barbeque he was at, but never received an answer.
It was thanks to arriving EMTs that he survived, and it was thanks to those EMTs that she decided to pursue her career in EMS. Her dream to join the ranks was realized during a graduation ceremony Monday at Boston EMS Academy.
“I’d like to be able to give back what was given to my family and hopefully give someone that same reward of getting their loved one back,” Lewis told the Boston Globe the ceremony.
Lewis took the Boston EMS community EMT course and was joined by her brother, Matthew Lewis-Grant, who flew up from Fla., at her graduation ceremony where she was officially recognized as a Boston EMT. Matthew even performed the badge-pinning honors.
The course is a rigorous six-month training program that consists of classroom work, field instruction, exercises and drills.
“I’m nervous, but excited,” Lewis said. “I’m proud of myself.”
She previously worked as a medical assistant, but at the encouragement of her cousin, she decided to pursue becoming an EMT.
Lewis began her new duties as an EMT Tuesday, along with 20 other graduates.
“When these EMTs officially begin their duties, we have the utmost confidence that they are best prepared to handle any situation set before them,” Boston EMS Chief James Hooley said.