PAX Centurion - Special Edition 2013

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Special Boston Marathon Bombing Issue 2013 • Page 31 Boston is a big city, and unfortunately, other things do happen, even in the presence of such a huge event. Non-marathon related calls for help from Boston residents still came in. Motor vehicle accidents, cardiac disorders, and the like still happened in other parts of the city. Not losing sight of the rest of the city as all eyes were focused on Boylston St., EMTs across town stepped up to the plate, respond- ing to the roughly 280 calls a day for service that still happen. Units in outer lying districts, of course, handled those calls with aplomb. EMS crews ready to go off shift volunteered to stay, trying to shift the workload away from the crews trying to manage the disaster. “Putting on the uniform feels different today.” Commented EMT Lisa Hines, a longtime member of A-11 in Dorchester a few days after the attacks. “I am honored to be dressed the same as the best EMTs and Paramedics in this country.” Later on that week, Boston EMS was called upon to pride support for the visit of the President of the United States, and a large memorial service. Boston’s ordeal, unfortunately, was not over. As a few short days later, the murder of an MIT police officer led to a chase, and gun battle culminating in nearbyWatertown. Once again, Boston EMS was called in, and in the presence of unexploded IED’s, a suspect in the bombing incidents was transported by our units to the nearest trauma center. That suspect received the same care from Boston EMS that the crews’ own family members would have received. Impressed with all the efforts expended, Dr. Jackson at Mass Bay Community College commented “That’s what makes us better than them. That’s why we’re going to win.” Despite EMS’s best efforts, that suspect succumbed to his various injuries. A manhunt ensued for the remaining suspect; the entire city in lock-down, gripped by fear. Boston EMS units were at the forefront, shadowing police units as the sectors were methodically searched. When the injured suspect was discovered, it was Boston EMS, once again, who was called upon to care for, and transport the injured indi- vidual, who survived his wounds and is now in police custody. It was a week of hell. The dust is settling in Boston only now as the enormity of events wash past us. The city is slowly return- ing to normal. Boylston St. has re-opened to traffic, and commerce. Sidewalks in the area are filling with flowers, candles, and stuffed animals; memorials to the injured, and the dead. The phrase “Boston Strong” has now permanently entered the national lexicon. EMT Jennifer Archila described a feeling of “sweet victorious closure,” and thanked God we as mere mortals were able to accomplish what we did. The response by Boston EMS to the Marathon bombing incident will have more far-reaching effect than we realize as this paper goes to print. Ambulance agencies, other municipalities, and even foreign governments will closely study the methodology used by EMS in Boston. The response by Boston EMS will become THE global mod- el for how sudden disasters and acts of terrorism should be handled. It was indeed our finest day. I have never been prouder to be a part of this department. The Vity of Boston is in good hands, and if our example is followed, the rest of the world is too. Boston Strong.