26 New EMT's Graduate From Academy
DETROIT (WWJ) - A graduating ceremony was held Friday for 26 new Detroit Emergency Medical Technicians.
Twenty-five men and one woman graduated at the ceremony held at Wayne State University - the 56th Graduating Academy Class of Emergency Mobile Medical Technicians.
EMS Superintendent Chief Jerald James reminded the graduates of the tough job they have signed up for.
"Understanding that the enemy we fight is unseen, it is unmerciful, it is relentless ... it is an angel that none of us would like to see, that's the angel of death, that we fight every day. You are tasked with fighting that battle, with your medical bag, your knowledge and your confidence," said James.
Detroit Mayor Bing was on hand for the graduation and thanked the new EMT's for taking on the challenge of providing emergency medical service to the citizens of Detroit.
"From an EMS standpoint, our media has focused on what you don't do, not about what you do, and everyday that you get up and go to work you have no idea what you are going to encounter, but I'm so proud that you have stuck with it," said Mayor Bing.
Also attending the graduation, Detroit councilman Andre Spivey, who has been crusading for better equipment, new trucks and EMT's, "We still have slower response times, vehicles are down, but I'm hoping the more men and women we can get on board ... this will improve response time and the quality of service we can provide."
Detroit, which has a chronic problem with response time, now has nearly 300 EMT's and new EMS vehicles are scheduled to arrive by the end of this year.
