The Los Angeles Fire Department has added to the ranks of its paramedics, with 14 firefighters who completed special training on the job Tuesday in enhanced roles.
The firefighters who added paramedic to their title are Bryan Amaya, Erik Bell, Ryker Crenshaw, Ezequiel Garcia, Blake Gelinas, Pedro Hinojosa, Marcelino Ibarra, Christopher Irei, George Kallas, Brandon Maldonado, Michael Ospina, Nicole Ragano, Troy Thomas and Nickolas Vengoechea.
The new paramedics recently completed the UCLA Paramedic Program, which the department described as “nine months of some of the most demanding medical training in the country.”
“They did it on top of careers that were already demanding,” according to an LAFD social media post. “They did it because they chose to carry more.”
According to the LAFD, more than 80% of the department’s responses are medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, overdoses and various trauma.
“Every time someone in this city dials 911 at the worst moment of their life, they are counting on a paramedic to be there,” the LAFD statement said.
Another 46 LAFD firefighters are currently in paramedic training, according to the department.
Officials also included praise and thanks to the family members of the new firefighter/paramedics.
“You shared them with the rest of us so they could be there when someone needs them most,” according to the LAFD.