ADVISORY: Graduation Ceremony for Fire Cadet Class 202 & EMS Class 3

WHAT: The Philadelphia Fire Department holds a graduation ceremony for Fire Cadet Class 202 and EMS Class 3

WHO: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker

Managing Director Adam K. Thiel

Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson

Upper Darby Fire Chief Brian Boyce

Graduates of Fire Cadet Class 202 & EMS Class 3

WHERE: Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School, 4259 Richmond St., Philadelphia

WHEN: TOMORROW - Friday, October 11, at 10 a.m. This event also will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.

Background on Fire Cadet Class 202:

• Members include 68 firefighter/EMTs who will serve with the Philadelphia Fire Department and 2 firefighter/EMTs who will serve with the Upper Darby Fire Department.
• The Fire Academy's rigorous nine-month program for firefighter cadets teaches them about fire suppression, hazardous materials, and fire- and life-safety issues. Cadets also become certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), qualifying them to provide basic emergency medical care.
• The PFD responds to 800-1,000 emergency incidents every day.

Background on EMS Class 3:

• EMS Class 3 includes 7 paramedics and 16 EMTs for the PFD.
• The cadets were already certified paramedics and EMTs when they came to the Fire Academy, where they completed a rigorous 12-week training program in order to serve in one of the busiest EMS systems in the nation.
• At the Academy, they learned about PFD operations and received additional training in basic vehicle rescue, pediatric care, hazardous materials, and active shooter incidents.
• Paramedics can perform advanced life support techniques, including intubating patients. EMTs can provide basic life support protocols such as CPR and bleeding control.

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