Statement on Boston Marathon Bombings

A day we shall not soon forget.

Monday, April 15th began like most Marathon Mondays. It was a beautiful day, with perfect running weather and Boston was crowded with spectators, family and friends. In addition to our typical deployment, Boston EMS had more than 90 personnel assigned to the event, from the city limit to past the Finish Line on Boylston Street. We had EMTs and Paramedics on bicycles, golf carts and “gators” along the route, as well as strategically placed ambulances at intersections and staffing to support three medical tents. We had additional staffing in our Dispatch Operations Center, and personnel were also assigned to interagency coordination centers.

Shortly before 3:00 pm, Boston EMS personnel were preparing for the typical large influx of runners coming into the medical tents with a wide variety of injuries or illness. Runners often suffer from dehydration, blisters, hypo and hyperthermia, and the rare hyponatremia (a dangerous electrolyte imbalance). When the bombs were detonated, Boston EMS EMTs, Paramedics, and Physicians were on scene within seconds, and were joined by other Boston EMS, Police, Fire, and others. EMS personnel immediately began triaging patients, treating the most critical, and moving patients as quickly as possible out of the area. Boylston Street was cleared in less than 20 minutes, and 90 patients were transported to area hospital within 30 minutes. With the assistance of civilian bystanders, Boston Police and other Law enforcement officers, Boston Fire department personnel, Private EMS providers, members of the Massachusetts National Guard and BAA volunteers, Boston EMS was able to coordinate the rapid treatment and transport of the injured to waiting emergency rooms and trauma centers throughout the City.

Boston EMS would like to thank all that helped, for their bravery and courage. We also thank our mutual aid partners who responded with multiple ambulances when we requested assistance.

 

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