By Kristen Giddings
Boston Herald
BOSTON — Boston’s Emergency Medical Service is adding two ambulances and 21 EMTs amid a surge in EMS calls, the mayor said yesterday as the new recruits joined the force.
“This is the fifth EMS class that has graduated since I became mayor, and it has a special significance — these graduates represent the first class expansion in nine years,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Together, our newest EMS class has proven their commitment to helping people and serving our communities, and I’m proud our new EMTs will go on to provide the best, most compassionate care for our residents in need.”
Boston EMS responds to more than 120,000 clinical incidents per year, and the call volume has increased by more than 20,000 since 2008. Amid the 20 percent call increase for emergency medical services, Walsh created 20 new EMT positions.
The 21 men and women graduated from the Boston Emergency Medical Service Recruit Academy yesterday after an extensive six-month program with training in a variety of emergency situations, including mass casualty incidents, domestic violence, hazardous materials exposures, transportation accidents, recovery services and life-threatening emergencies. Recruits responded to an average of 300 incidents each during training.
“I look forward to serving with the newest members of Boston EMS,” said Boston EMS Chief Jim Hooley. “We set very high standards for our EMTs and paramedics, and these women and men have proven that they are rightfully qualified and deserving of the Boston EMS badge.”
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