Elizabeth Bonilla
Paramedic
FDNY
Elizabeth was introduced to a life changing career in 2011. Becoming certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, she began working for Citywide, a private ambulance company in the Bronx, transporting patients to and from homes, clinics, events, or hospitals. Elizabeth then decided she wanted to take on a more challenging duty and applied for the Fire Department of New York, 911 system. After three months of intense physical and educational training she became an employee in 2014.
In 2017, with great interest in the field of Emergency Medicine she sought a deeper education and was promoted. She now serves the city, her community, the 911 system of FDNY as a Paramedic. She is City and State Certified in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), through the American Heart Association.
Prior to this career change in 2011, she worked in the Business Field, Accounting and Finance for an Organization in Wall Street from 1999 to 2011.
Multiple tragic events occurred during her young adult life. A single mother of two sons, a surviving son with a life threatening condition and now a mother and father both battling cancer. This sudden change has prepared and trained her to be a better provider to her family and community. It broadened a better understanding about human life, giving her the drive to want to help more and to make things better.
Today’s career helps her accept the misfortunes in her life and helps her feel that she is not alone.
During these hardest times in the world due to this Covid 19 Pandemic, Elizabeth dedicated herself to provide unstoppable Emergency Care for patients all over the City in All Conditions, Tragic and Medical, for long hours everyday. Overwhelmed with emotions and exhaustion, nothing discouraged her to come face to face with the enemy (the virus) that has taken so many lives, understanding that she too may become ill with the virus.
Elizabeth believes that her faith in God has given her strength to battle the fight for her parents, family, continue to serve her community and face future challenges to save more lives. This is her profession, her path, her calling.