Three firefighters graduate from paramedic academy

February 17, 2017

Submitted by Morey Morris

Gila River Fire Department

On Jan. 20, 2017, three Gila River Fire Department firefighters graduated from the Phoenix Fire Department Paramedic Academy, 16-1.

Jamison Ashton, Michael Flynn and Gabriel Rubalcaba spent well over 1,200 hours in their paramedic academy which included anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, cardiac rhythm recognition and interpretation, medical and trauma scenarios, assessment and treatment, training in phlebotomy, IV starting, fluid maintenance and resuscitation.

These firefighters, once Arizona Department of EMS certified as a paramedic, will be the highest level EMTs on an emergency scene and will provide advanced life support care to all types of patients— adults, children and infants.

These paramedics will also provide crisis intervention and life saving stabilization of both medical and trauma victims.

After the academy completed, these firefighters received over 50 credit hours from Phoenix College, which will allow them to receive an Associate’s Degree in Paramedicine.

At the graduation ceremonies, Firefighter Jamison Ashton was recognized as the valedictorian of the 16-1 class.

These firefighter paramedics began working on Gila River Fire engines shortly after their graduation.