NEWS | Biddeford Fire Department highlights ‘Excellence in Emergency Medical Services’ during National EMS Week

CONTRIBUTED STORY | City of Biddeford press release]

As the nation celebrates National EMS Week (May 17-23) under the 2026 theme “Improving Outcomes, Together,” the city of Biddeford recognizes the dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals of the Biddeford Fire Department for their essential role in protecting community health and safety.

In 2025, Biddeford Fire Department members responded to nearly 4,400 EMS incidents, operating two full‑time ambulances and a paramedic intercept unit to ensure rapid, high‑quality medical response throughout the city.

The Department’s EMS team includes 51 licensed providers, including the Department’s three chiefs. Of these professionals, 33 are paramedics, 12 are advanced EMTs, and five are EMTs.

To further strengthen the city’s emergency response capabilities, several members are currently advancing their clinical education: four providers are enrolled in Paramedic school, and three are completing Advanced EMT (AEMT) training, all of whom are on track to become Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers this fall.

“Earning Paramedic or AEMT licensure requires immense dedication,” said Fire Chief Lawrence Best. “Our members consistently go above and beyond to bring the highest level of care to the people of Biddeford.”

Paramedic students complete 1,000 to 1,200 hours of classroom and clinical training over 12 to 18 months, including work in both ambulance and hospital settings. They also become certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Life Support (PALS), and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS). AEMT students undergo approximately 320 to 400 hours of training over six months, preparing them to deliver crucial lifesaving interventions.

In addition to responding to emergencies, the Biddeford Fire Department is committed to empowering the public with lifesaving skills that support the EMS system, supporting the theme of Improving Outcomes, Together.

In addition to responding to emergencies, the Biddeford Fire Department is committed to empowering the public with lifesaving skills that support the EMS system, supporting the theme of Improving Outcomes, Together.

The Department offers 24 CPR classes per year, training an average of 288 community members annually. Early recognition of cardiac arrest, calling 911, and performing bystander CPR dramatically improve survival rates – and in the past year, Biddeford has seen multiple cases in which quick actions from bystanders directly contributed to positive patient outcomes.

“Our EMS professionals prioritize opportunities to provide safety information to residents because we know we are strongest when we work alongside an informed and prepared community,” Best added. “National EMS Week reminds us that lifesaving truly is a partnership.”

Members of the public are encouraged to take part in upcoming CPR courses. A schedule of class dates is available here | CPR Training in Biddeford

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