Our celebration of EMS Week and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month continues today by meeting EMT Ki Hyun Kim, who has been “Rising to the Challenge” by using his love for fitness to help train Probies at our EMS Academy at Fort Totten. Kim, who joined the FDNY in 2017, is also a United States Marine Corps veteran.
“I spent total of eight years in the United States Marine Corps and finished with the rank of Sergeant. During my civilian transition after the military, I was at loss of what to do. I knew that I wanted to serve my community, but did not know in what form until one of my good friends suggested EMS. After taking my EMT Basic Course, I worked as an EMT and interacted with the FDNY units while working. I knew that FDNY was the major leagues of EMS and I wanted to be there,” said Kim. “My family and I immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 1999, when I was just 10 years old. I kept up fluency of my native language over the years. It took me roughly two years to become fluent in English. After graduating, my first station was at Station 45 in Woodside. Working in Queens, I encountered some Korean patients who were in need, but who could not speak English. I had the pleasure of being able to communicate with them in their most difficult times. It helped put them a little more at ease being able to have someone understand them.”
As a Drill Instructor at our EMS Academy, Kim helps to train Probationary EMTs and EMS Trainees.
In March 2020, Kim expanded his service in our Department by joining our EMS Bureau of Training as a Drill Instructor.
“I enjoy working out, and fitness is a big part of my life where I workout daily. As a Drill Instructor, I wear multiple hats. I instill discipline and common knowledge of FDNY EMS. I am also there to mentor and guide the candidates in their transition from civilians to EMT and help them with basic knowledge of physical and mental fitness, as well as their well-being,” Kim explained. “It is really rewarding to see their growth. From the first encounter of them receiving their uniforms from Quartermaster to seeing them walk across the stage at graduation as FDNY EMTs, it is really special. Here at the Bureau of Training, we will give you everything you need to succeed. We provide uniforms, books, knowledge, skills training and physical fitness training. All we ask from the Probies is to come with the right mindset. Come ready to learn and adapt. Training may be tough at times, but do not give up. Come find your passion for EMS.”
Like Kim, you can also work in our EMS and use your skills to help New Yorkers each day. Learn more about our EMS career today here. Throughout this month, we’re also recognizing Military Appreciation Month. Meet more of our veterans today here.
