Boston EMS is a dedicated partner to the residents of and their health. In an effort to better the lives and health of its citizens, Boston EMS has numerous programs in the surrounding community to ensure involvement on a local level with the people we serve.
Through the Community Initiatives Division, Boston EMS raises awareness and educates the public to target and prevent public health issues in and the surrounding area..
For more information or questions regarding any of the Community Initiatives run by Boston EMS, please contact Deputy Superintendent Felicia Robinson, Director of Community Initiatives, at 617-343-1116. She can also be reached by email at communityinitiatives@bostonems.org.
Life & Loyalty
CPR Certification
Car Seat Check-ups
File of Life
Life and Loyalty Program
“Life & Loyalty” is a day long violence prevention workshop aimed towards at-risk youth in the area led jointly by Boston EMS and the Boston Police Department, in collaboration with Youth Opportunity Boston. The workshop consists of First Aid and CPR certification course and presentations in which youth are shown not only the results and consequences of violence, but also how to break the cycle and become a counteractive force to violence. It is meant to develop understanding of how to be reactive, proactive and interactive within the community and instill a sense of the value of life and self respect among area youth. It aims to remove the stigma that sees the youth as only part of the problem and helps them to view themselves as part of the solution.
CPR Certification
CPR stands for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation. It combines mouth to mouth breathing and chest compressions, increasing the flow of oxygen and circulating the blood during cardiac arrest. This helps to ensure that blood can still reach the brain and heart, extending the brief window of opportunity for full resuscitation without permanent brain damage. In the absence of oxygen, a person can become brain dead in only 3-4 minutes, while an ambulance could take longer to arrive at the scene. For this reason, knowing the steps to performing effective CPR is essential for reacting quickly in an emergency situation.
Boston EMS offers numerous CPR Certification program to fit you or your organization’s needs. Call today to learn about one that’s right for you and to schedule a class 617-343-1125.
- CPR Course — Our standard CPR Course
- CPR Anytime — CPR in a box! Take this kit home with you to learn in 30 minutes how to perform CPR from a certified video and your own mannequin. Once you learn, you can show your friends and family as well!
- Spanish CPR — CPR Course for the Hispanic community
- CPR for the Business Community — A CPR course that is catered to meet the individual needs of your business or workplace
Car Seat checks
Boston EMS is committed to ensuring the safety of your children. Car seats are essential to your child’s safety and ensuring that they are not injured in the event of an accident. However, close to 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly, and thus offer little or no protection in the event of a car accident. Is yours one of them? Every Wednesday, certified Car seat technicians are on site for free check-ups. They will not only ensure your seat is of an appropriate size for your child and install it correctly, but also teach you how to properly install the car seat for future reference.
To make an appointment, please call 1 800 847 0710
File of Life
The File of Life program is meant to provide quick and easy access to your basic medical information. It is a red magnetic plastic folder that can be easily kept on the refrigerator for speedy access in the event of an emergency. The file contains important personal information regarding your health and emergency contacts in the event that you are unable to give the information. The File of Life is also available in a smaller, non magnetic size that can be carried in a purse or wallet when you are away from home.
The information on the File of Life is relatively easy to fill out. The information includes emergency contacts, your physicians and medical history, any allergies, prescription medications, medical insurance, and any other essential information. A File of Life keeps all this important information all in one place in a noticeable red and white case that you keep out in the open.
More information about the Community Iniatives Division can be found at www.cityofboston.gov/EMS/Community/