We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Aaron Sylvester in regards to passing his paramedic exam. Aaron is the first paramedic on staff at Springfield Fire Department. Aarons certifications include paramedic, ACLS (advanced cardiac life support), PALS (pediatric advanced life support), and ITLS (international trauma life support) and NREMT-P.

Aaron was enrolled in school at the New England EMS Institute which is part of the educational department at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH. In order to remain in school a GPA of at least 80% needed to be maintained. The commitment was great for all parties involved so that Aaron could remain in class. First and foremost the biggest committment was made by Aaron and his wife and children. As you will see below Aaron gave up a great deal of family time and missed many of his childrens school and social events to the class, clinicals and studying in general. Secondly the Town of Springfield and the fire department staff who successfully covered Aaron's shifts while he attended school. Aarons shifts were covered by other members of the fire department staff without adding to the current staff levels. As a side note,  not only was Aaron not on shift for the 15 months but his shifts were covered, sick days were covered, vacation days were covered, and personal days were all covered without interruption to everyday call volume by the current staff. Great Job Everybody!

The following is a breakdown and some interesting statistics that went into Aarons last 15 months:

1) 62 week program

2) 68 (8hr) days of classroom didactic

3) 544hrs of classroom didactic

4) 648hrs (minimum) of practical/clinical

5) 272hrs of travel to the classroom portion

This equates to 1464hrs of classroom and travel to the classroom (not including practical/clinical time)

Over the past 15 months Aaron spent 15096 miles on the road traveling to class and back (not including practical/clinicla travel).

Again Aaron congratulations on a job well done!