Meet Queens Paramedic Marilyn Arroyo

FDNY Paramedics are trained to provide the highest level of pre-hospital patient care. They have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and more. Today, join us in learning about Station 49 Paramedic Marilyn Arroyo.

“Working for the FDNY is such a gratifying career. Every day you and your partner put your best foot forward in order to provide a good outcome for your patient, and that in itself is very rewarding,” said Arroyo, who grew up in the Lower East Side.

Joining the Department in 2010 as an EMT and later promoting to Paramedic in 2013, Arroyo credits her upbringing and her Puerto Rican background as integral parts towards her performance every day in the field.

“My background has always inspired me to be a compassionate person who lives to help others. The community that I serve is very diverse and being bilingual is a great tool that I am able to use towards my Latino patients, knocking down the language barrier and providing the full service to whatever is needed,” she said.

On June 1, 2016, Arroyo was awarded the inaugural EMT-P Carlos Lillo/Lt. Ricardo Quinn Medal at FDNY Medal Day for her heroic actions on August 15, 2012. Serving as an EMT from Station 46 at the time, Arroyo and her partner Paramedic Jimmy Guailacela were dispatched to a vehicle submerged underwater with victims inside after a severe rainstorm. With the water quickly rising, Arroyo and her partner quickly swam over to the vehicle, rescued the three victims, and brought them to safety before any serious injuries could occur.

Arroyo, who grew up in the Lower East Side, proudly serves at Station 49 in Queens.

The first responder hopes to continue her growth within the FDNY by advancing in our ranks.

“Being curious and eager to learn more as an EMT, my partners would tell me that I have the ability to become a Paramedic and supported me along the way,” she explained. “I used all the tools the FDNY gave me in order to become a Paramedic. It was challenging, but I’m proud of my accomplishment and recommend it to anyone who decides to join this Department. There is always room to grow and the FDNY provides amazing training opportunities for anyone who is interested.”

This career path is a promotional opportunity offered to our EMTs and the application period for EMT and EMS Trainee is currently open. Get started in working for the FDNY today by applying here.