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

A seasoned veteran with 26 years of experience, Chief Paul Miano has been appointed as the head of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). This announcement was made by the FDNY on Friday as one of the final acts of outgoing Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. Miano’s leadership comes at a time when the EMS sector is grappling with significant challenges, including a troubling attrition rate among personnel.

Replacing retired Chief of EMS Michael Fields, who held the position since 2023, Miano is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the role. As Chief, Miano will oversee an expansive team of over 4,000 EMTs, paramedics, officers, and civilian employees. His responsibilities will encompass managing daily operations, strategic planning, and ensuring the effective execution of initiatives aimed at enhancing emergency medical care.

Miano embarked on his career with the FDNY in 1999 as an emergency medical technician in Brooklyn, later completing his paramedic training and becoming a HazMat paramedic. His rapid ascension through the ranks is notable; he played a pivotal role in launching the Marine Paramedic program and developed response protocols for potential Ebola cases in 2014. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Miano served as Brooklyn North Commander, earning recognition for his efforts in crisis management.

Despite his qualifications and experience, Miano’s promotion occurs amid an ongoing crisis within EMS. The union representing city EMTs, Local 2507, has highlighted severe staffing shortages attributed to financial disparities between EMS personnel and other first responders in the city. The union has vocally urged Mayor Eric Adams to fulfill his campaign promises regarding wage equity for EMTs and paramedics. Reports indicate that the EMS sector is experiencing a staggering attrition rate of approximately 70%, primarily due to these wage concerns.

As Chief Miano prepares to take the helm, he faces the dual challenges of not only ensuring high-quality emergency medical care but also addressing the pressing issues of staffing and financial instability within the department. His leadership will be instrumental in navigating these complexities as EMS continues to serve a critical role in the city’s public safety infrastructure.

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