AMR Philadelphia paramedic, former FD captain dies from COVID-19
American Medical Response Philadelphia Paramedic William "Brad" Blackman worked in EMS for more than 35 years and is remembered as a "true hero"
By Laura French
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia paramedic and former fire department ambulance captain whose EMS career spanned more than 35 years has died due to COVID-19.
American Medical Response (AMR) Philadelphia Paramedic William "Brad" Blackman, 56, was a life member of the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association and an avid cyclist who had participated in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride every year for nearly a decade, according to Facebook posts by the organizations.
American Medical Response wrote in its announcement of Blackman's death yesterday that he had recently received commendation for helping talk a suicidal man down from a bridge, saving his life.
"He was a true hero," the agency wrote in its Facebook post.
We are grieving with our teammates today in Philadelphia as we mourn the loss of one of our own, Paramedic Brad...
Posted by American Medical Response on Monday, June 29, 2020
Blackman had previously received a "top 10 most active responder award" in fire and EMS, according to the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association, where he had worked as a firefighter-paramedic and later as ambulance captain.
In addition to riding in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride every year since 2010, Blackman rode with the Police Unity Bike Tour and in several other biking events, according to the Police Unity Tour, Southern California Chapter VII.
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride announced on Facebook that Blackman will be honored at its 2021 routes.
Brad Blackman (1963-2020) It is with a heavy heart that The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is announcing the passing...
Posted by National EMS Memorial Bike Ride on Monday, June 29, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that the officers and members of the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association announce the...
Posted by Swarthmore Fire & Protective Assn. - Station 14 on Monday, June 29, 2020
We are sad to share that tour member AMR Paramedic William “Brad” Blackman has succumbed to complications from COVID-19....
Posted by Police Unity Tour, Southern California Chapter VII on Monday, June 29, 2020