27 EMT-Recruits Graduate From Boston EMS Recruit Academy Friday

By Tiffany Williams –

Boston EMS, established 132 years ago as the ‘City Hospital Ambulance Service’, has a rich history of serving the people of Boston. The service began with 11 horses, two carriages, and 12 dedicated men who served as horse keepers, chore men, and porters. Over the years, Boston EMS has evolved into one of the largest and busiest municipal emergency medical services providers in the country.

Today, Boston EMS EMTs and Paramedics continue to deliver exceptional pre-hospital emergency medical care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To ensure the continuation of this exceptional care, Boston EMS recruits and trains new EMTs each year. In March 2024, the City of Boston unveiled a new state-of-the-art training and education facility in West Roxbury, spanning 20,000 square feet. This impressive facility includes simulation rooms for training, a gym, multiple large classrooms, and two new ambulance bays.

The rigorous training at the new facility is evident as 27 Boston EMS recruits recently completed one of the most challenging EMS training academies in the country. These recruits underwent extensive training, learning to handle a variety of life-threatening emergency situations, including active shooter incidents, hazardous materials exposure, transportation accidents, recovery services, human trafficking, and mass casualty incidents.

Throughout their training, these recruits responded to over 3,700 9-1-1 incidents, providing care to patients with a wide range of emergencies, from cardiac arrest and behavioral health issues to illnesses, injuries, and serious trauma, including shootings and stabbings.

After months of intense training, these 27 recruits have officially become Boston EMS EMTs, joining a department with a proud history and a strong commitment to serving the people of Boston.

“Congratulations to the EMTs graduating today. You are joining a department that sets the standard for excellence in care and compassion,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “EMS is the critical link between our first responder agencies and our healthcare providers, answering the call all hours of the day and night in every neighborhood of our City. I am so grateful for your dedication and commitment to serving our communities.”

“Becoming an EMT or paramedic is an honorable calling. It takes courage, passion and heart to do this job. On every shift, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone who needs your help,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “The call volume for medical emergencies in our city is at an all-time high with our members responding to more than 400 calls every day. Your work is vital. After completing this Academy, you are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle whatever comes your way.”