In a groundbreaking first, Woodland Regional High School (WRHS) is preparing the next generation of emergency medical heroes with its new EMT class, offering students the skills to save lives and transform their futures.
For the first time in Woodland history there is an EMT Class where students get real time experience at ambulance companies as well as being given the option to test at the state and national level. This test is insanely hard with a pass rate of only 64% in the state of Connecticut according to the NREMT Annual Report. With this in mind the students are expected to read the book, take tests, practice practicals and do real life ambulance calls. Which seems to be a lot for some high school students but the students in this class have persevered and have only a couple of months until they are ready to take the test.
According to Helayna Deroscher, a current EMT student and Junior Member at Beacon Hose she referenced what she does to take part in Beacon Hose.
She discussed how she joined in on the hands-on approach and how she fell in love with emergency medicine.
“I currently run calls as an observer as well as take part in EMS and Fire training.”
Deroscher mentioned how the class leaves lasting effects on her daily as well as her involvement in the community. She referenced the EMT class and praised it for how she learned to truly collaborate and how to study differently to help her memorize 1600 pages in the span of a school year. She even mentioned that they have a study group and meet up to study for upcoming tests or confusing questions in the class. She had some advice for incoming EMT students;
“Be prepared to go through a lot, a lot of hands on stuff, a lot of out of school time and in school time. and learning new subjects every week. A lot of people complain about the book. Read it, don’t just go off the slides.”
Deroscher also brings up how some classes here at Woodland can help aid in the EMT class.
“Anatomy, Bio, and even Algebra is crucial to the EMT class.”
Tanner Barrows, Woodland senior as well as current EMT student started an internship at Beacon Hose for his capstone project.
“I’ll go on calls, take vitals, listen to presentations, perform truck checks, and participate in EMS trainings. This allows me to get some experience on the road before I even go to take my NREMT in three months. Provided I pass, this internship will allow me to have a foot in the door with EMS and how it all works.”
This not only shows how joining the EMT class can provide jobs outside of high school but also shows how crucial it is to the community to take action or be a part of something that helps the greater good of the community.
“If you’re going to do this class, be serious about it; it’s someone’s life at the end of the day. It’s also a lot of work, if you’re not willing to put in hundreds of hours of studying and practicing your skills then don’t be surprised when it catches up to you. This is a class that requires your full attention every single day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes because everyone is human and everyone is going to make them, especially in this field.”
Tanner personally had a terrifying yet inspirational story to why he decided to take the EMT class and how he ended up helping save a stranger’s life.
“Two years ago, my brother was involved in a horrible motorcycle crash which left him with a popped lung (tension pneumothorax), eight broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, and a broken shoulder. Without the help of the EMTs and Paramedics, my brother would have lost his life.”
Little did Tanner know a couple months later, he would stumble upon an accident that was a changing point to Tanner figuring out what his passion is for taking the next step and signing up for the EMT class.
“I was driving home from a soccer game and we noticed a motorcycle abandoned in the middle of the highway with no one around. We noticed a bunch of debris and a helmet. We looked over the guardrail and found a man fighting for his life. His leg was bleeding profusely and I was able to keep him alive until the paramedics came. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field and that becoming an EMT would give me an adrenaline rush like no other whilst helping people.”
The feeling that Tanner felt after this provided such a heartfelt moment which shows the commitment, passion, and dedication that Tanner holds for this EMT class.
So take the risk, put in the effort, and take the EMT class you may find an undiscovered love and passion for the medical field which can lead to further education experiences as well as future jobs.
“You don’t need to have a background in fire services or medical field in order to do well in the class. As long as you’re paying attention in class and practicing outside of it, you will do just fine.”
