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To the editor:
Besides transporting patients in ambulances, most New Yorkers don't see much of what the FDNY Emergency Medical Services does as a uniformed first responder service. That's because it's a medical trade and has its privacy protections. At the beginning of their medical work, all FDNY EMS members pledge adherence to the Declaration of Geneva, putting the health and well-being of their patients first.
EMTs perform CPR, apply defibrillators, administer oxygen, control bleeding, provide anaphylaxis treatment and narcotic overdose reversal, splint injured bones, manage emergency childbirth and more.
In addition, paramedics provide pre-hospital treatment for medical emergencies such as traumatic bodily injuries (either accident or crime related), smoke inhalation, embolisms and asthma, heart attacks, infectious diseases (including Covid and Ebola), strokes, and diabetic and obstetrical complications. They administer medications by mouth, IV drips, injections or nebulizers. They intubate patients when necessary.
FDNY EMS also shares a lot in common with its fellow uniformed first responder services. The 4,500 men and women of the FDNY EMS answer 1.6 million 911 medical calls a year to unknown, potentially dangerous and/or emotionally traumatizing situations, similar to police officers and firefighters.
Like them, EMTs and paramedics work in sometimes harsh environments, including accident, crime and fire scenes. EMTs and paramedics use ambulances and medical supplies and equipment instead of squad cars and service revolvers, or firetrucks and hoses. But like firefighters and police officers, they are issued personal protective gear and body armor. And when in the line of duty, police officers and firefighters need medical help, the FDNY EMS provides it.
Labor Day is Monday. Will we see police officers and firefighters publicly supporting their fellow first responders in the FDNY Emergency Medical Services in their struggle to get NYC labor officials give them a fair and just contract?
Helen Northmore
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