By DJ Harding
On Thursday July 20 along with Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Boston Public Health Commissary (BPHC) Mayor Wu announced the appropriation approval of the new collective bargaining agreement for the Boston Police Patrolman Association’s EMS Division.
This agreement represents 355 current emergency medical technicians (EMTs), Paramedics, Lieutenants and Captains of Boston EMS.
The Boston City Council approved the budget appropriation for the ratified contract yesterday.
“I am so grateful to all members of Boston EMS for their service and proud that this contract was settled through our shared commitment to delivering on reforms that will enhance the care we provide our residents, particularly the most vulnerable,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.
Boston EMS hopes the new contract will help retain current members and entice state certified EMTs to come work for the department. Starting pay for new hires is now $33 per hour, with opportunities for overtime after six months, as well as annual step increases, raises, and longevity bonuses.
As a critical City service facing staffing challenges, the contract also includes a 3-year temporary suspension of the residency requirement.
In addition to cost-of-living wage increases, the agreement includes a Mobile Integrated Health Care (MIH) adjustment. As a public safety and healthcare profession, EMS is an evolving field.
MIH includes the option of 9-1-1 call transfers to behavioral health clinicians, treatment on scene, and transport to non-hospital destinations.
MIH is intended to increase access to care, decrease avoidable emergency department visits, prioritize EMS resources for patients in more critical conditions, and improve patient care coordination.
For those not certified as EMTs, Boston EMS has secured funding through the City’s Office of Workforce Development to offer hundreds of EMT course scholarships through their City Academy program.
EMTs interested in a rewarding career at Boston EMS are encouraged to go to http://www.boston.gov/ems to learn more and apply.