Philadelphia Fire Department welcomes 61 new EMTs

The Philadelphia Fire Department has 61 new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The cadets graduated in a ceremony Wednesday, September 10, at Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School in Bridesburg. The members of EMT Cadet Class #8 completed a rigorous 12-week training program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy (PFA) to serve in one of the busiest Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems in the nation.

"We are public servants. When people are having their worst days, they're going to call 911 and these fire service EMTs are going to respond. And they're going to save lives," said Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson. He thanked the cadets' families at the ceremony, noting the sacrifices made by all when someone chooses to become a first responder. He also reminded the cadets, "This work we do, this career you have chosen, is so incredibly special. Think back to your time at the Academy when the instructors were demanding of you - it was for a reason. It was to prepare you for the challenges ahead."

EMTs can provide basic life support protocols such as CPR and bleeding control. At the Academy, they learned about PFD operations and received additional training in basic vehicle rescue; how to treat children who are seriously ill or injured; hazardous materials awareness and operations; and how to respond during active shooter incidents.

Director of Training at the PFA, Deputy Chief Girton Allerton, addressed the cadets before presenting awards to some of them later in the ceremony. "Congratulations, you have chosen to serve. From this moment forward, your careers are dedicated to the citizens of the great city of Philadelphia…and to me, it says a lot about the character of each one of you here today. "

Deputy Chief Allerton presented awards to these cadets for showing exceptional skill and perseverance while at the Academy:

• Academic Excellence: EMT Hayley Dunaway

• Spirit Award: EMT Marcella Pringle

• Physical Fitness: EMT Luke Pukanecz

• Commissioner's Leadership Award: EMT Ayala Quintana

• Eugene Janda Instructor Service Award: Acting Paramedic Lieutenant Ryan Parker

The Spirit Award is given to the cadet most admired by their peers. Cadets cast their votes through a secret ballot, and it's presented to someone who remained a source of inspiration and encouragement to their whole class through the rigorous training process. EMT Pringle, in addition to earning the Spirit Award, was also chosen as the class spokesperson for her commitment and dedication. At the graduation ceremony, she reminded her classmates of their mission and specifically mentioned the PFD patch on their uniforms that pledges "Dedication + Service."

"We learned more than how to provide urgent medical care. We learned to think fast, to lead with empathy, to stay ready in chaos and to trust in one another. To be an EMT is to walk into chaos and bring calm," Pringle said. "We earned the right to wear this patch, but more than that: We accepted the responsibility it carries. We made it to the finish line, now let's go out there and make a difference."

The PFD handles between 800 and 1,000 emergency incidents every day; about 80 percent by volume are for EMS. The PFD has operated the busiest ambulance in the nation for four years in a row, according to the annual Firehouse run survey.