Massachusetts High Schoolers Provide Daytime EMS

High school students' schedules are hectic enough with sports, drama, band, clubs and studies. Adding EMS to that mix is an even more challenging juggling act, but that's what's happening in Massachusetts.

When the Bolton Ambulance Service started looking for solutions to its daytime staffing problem, the Nashoba Regional School District stepped up to the plate. That was in 1987.

"It was a perfect idea. Few volunteers work in the area, and the students are here all day," said Ann Farrell, RN, also the school district health coordinator.

Stepping out of the box to address a critical issue required a joint effort. In addition to the school and ambulance company, Bolton elected officials and the state also embraced the project. In 1989, the students won a waiver allowing them to take the EMT exam at 16 ¡Ç instead of the usual 18.

Students who want to take the EMT training to provide emergency care to members of their community must have recommendations from a teacher, a guidance counselor and their parents. "It takes a tremendous commitment," Ms. Farrell said. "First year students meet twice a week from October through May, and it's one night a week for those in their second and third years."

The EMT classes are held at night to allow students an opportunity to participate in other activities, such as sports.

When pagers go off, the EMTs on duty leave class and head for their vehicle, a Crown Vic donated by the local police department. Custodians Tom McGown or Manny Bonitatibus drive the attendants to the scene or to rendezvous with the ambulance. There must be two qualified people on every call, and usually two other first year students go along as well.

Luis Forte, one of four crew chiefs, said he enjoys the variety of calls he's handled in the past few years. "It takes a lot of dedication. The leaders are selected because of their experience, and you have to appear before a review board."

He plans to continue his volunteer work after he graduates, and is going to college to become a physician's assistant.

Ms. Farrell said some of the early participants have gone on to become physicians, nurses, physician's assistants, paramedics and firefighters.

After completing the initial EMT class, students take additional courses in related subjects and train with members of the Bolton ambulance company. They also get credits for their studies.

EMT Instructor Tim Kelly said he only wishes his adult classes went as smoothly as those attended by students. "They genuinely want to learn. They sit and soak it up like a sponge. Sometimes, it's hard to get adults motivated."

Kelly, now teaching his third class, said the young EMTs are extremely competent, and have shown they can handle any situation. "They've had a number of traumas, and a car crash with multiple patients. They did everything, triaged, called for LifeFlight and additional units, and treated patients, some of whom were seriously injured."

Kelly, also a career provider, praised the youths for setting an example for their peers. "They really want to help their community. Their dedication is impressive."

Sara Wilson, 17, now an EMT for three years, said she's enjoyed helping people in her community. "It has taught me a lot of experiences. It was a great opportunity."

While it does take up a considerable amount of time, she said it was well worth it. "We show up early to check things out because we're on duty as of 7:30 a.m., and we have to be ready to go."

In addition to handling weekday calls until 5 p.m., the high school EMTs also staff an ambulance during football games and other sports events.

Ms. Wilson, also a crew chief, handles the scheduling. "If a student is involved with another school activity such as basketball, they can make up the time after the season."