Fire Commissioner Tucker appoints Chief Paul Miano as the new head of EMS operations.

In a significant leadership transition, Chief Paul Miano, a veteran of 26 years in emergency medical services, has been appointed as the new head of EMS Operations by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). This announcement, made on Friday, marks an important milestone in Miano’s career and brings new leadership to the EMS sector during a challenging period for the department.

Miano’s promotion follows the tenure of former Chief of EMS Michael Fields, who retired after serving in the role since 2023. Miano’s appointment was solidified by outgoing Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, who emphasized Miano’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to service within the FDNY EMS. Under Miano’s guidance, the organization is expected to maintain its high standards of pre-hospital care and ensure the safety of its personnel, as outlined by Tucker in his statement on the matter.

As Chief of EMS Operations, Miano will be responsible for overseeing a workforce of over 4,000 EMTs, paramedics, officers, and civilian employees. His duties will encompass operational management, strategic planning, and initiative implementation within the EMS framework. Miano’s career with the FDNY began in 1999, when he joined the EMS as an emergency medical technician in Brooklyn. He advanced rapidly through the ranks, becoming a HazMat paramedic after completing his paramedic training two years later. His contributions include the establishment of the Marine Paramedic program and the development of response procedures for potential Ebola cases in 2014.

Miano’s ascension comes at a precarious time for the department, as EMS faces considerable attrition rates largely attributed to the significant pay disparity between its personnel and that of other city first responders. The union representing city EMTs, Local 2507, recently highlighted these challenges, urging Mayor Adams to honor his campaign promises to achieve wage parity for EMS workers. According to the union, the attrition rate has reached a staggering 70%, exacerbating existing workforce shortages.

With Miano at the helm, the FDNY prepares to navigate these challenging dynamics while striving to enhance its operational effectiveness and advocating for the rightful compensation of its first responders. His leadership is anticipated as a potential turning point for EMS, which continues to grapple with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing labor challenges. This leadership change signals the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the emergency medical services in New York City.

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