Three Lebanon firefighters have recently achieved advanced emergency medical certifications, according to the Lebanon Fire Department. Over the last six months of 2025, Christopher Pearson, Ryan McGraw, and Jacob Astbury earned their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification. The AEMT program builds on basic EMT training by including more advanced patient assessment, airway management, intravenous access, medication administration, and some advanced life support skills. AEMTs are qualified to handle more complex medical and trauma cases under medical supervision.
The department noted that the AEMT program generally requires between 200 and 300 hours of classroom work, skills labs, and clinical or field experience. Completion of national certification and New Hampshire licensure is also required.
Firefighter Brandon Amatrudo completed his Paramedic education over a period of 16 months. Paramedic certification is considered the highest level for prehospital emergency care providers and involves delivering advanced life support in complex emergencies. The training typically includes 1,200 to 1,800 hours of instruction and internships over 12 to 24 months.
With these new qualifications among its staff, the Lebanon Fire Department reports that 61% of its personnel are now certified at the Paramedic level, 32% at the Advanced EMT level, and 7% at the Basic EMT level. This proportion of paramedic-certified staff is significantly higher than state and regional averages.
“We congratulate these individuals on their significant accomplishments and their commitment to the City of Lebanon and its residents,” stated the department.
