Boston EMS will be recognized at the Summit with the 2013 Disaster Preparedness Humanitarian Award for its role in responding to the Boston Marathon bombings. The two explosions that occurred within seconds of each other near the finish line of the 117th marathon claimed the lives of three people and injured more than 200 others. Remarkably, every patient transported by ambulance from the scene survived their injuries. Boston EMS has been widely praised for its immediate and well-coordinated response, which included triage, treatment, transportation and distribution of patients.
Chief James Hooley will accept the award on behalf of Boston EMS: “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the EMTs and Paramedics of Boston EMS who displayed extraordinary courage, skills and resourcefulness on that day. This was a team effort which demonstrated the value of training, preparedness and cooperation between Boston EMS, our private ambulance partners, other public safety agencies, our hospitals, as well as the many volunteers and bystanders who did not hesitate to assist.”
“The professionalism and preparedness of the Boston EMS undoubtedly saved lives at the marathon. Their quick response and dedication to those injured is a testament to their training and the relationships we have with our first response partners in the city,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said.
As part of the award, Chief Hooley will also provide a firsthand account of the response, reporting on how Boston EMS and volunteers managed a mass casualty event with speed, efficiency, and compassion.
The summit brings together leaders who drive the nation’s prevention, protection, response and recovery operations. Emergency Management is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education. The company produces several highly-regarded industry publications, including Governing Magazine and Government Technology.
On Guard 4 America 