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WESTPORT, Conn. To help save the lives of seriously injured hikers in Alaska after a grizzly bear attack, Westport teen Samuel Boas recalled training he had received from Westport Emergency Medical Service news that Marc Hartog was happy to hear.
For Hartog, coordinator of Westport EMS, the fact that Samuel, 16, used what he learned in a real-life emergency is a testament to the service's Explorer program, which trains high school students to become certified emergency medical responders.
"It's gratifying for us," Hartog said. "It tells us our training program is doing what we want it to do."
Taught by Westport Volunteer EMS Donna Patchen, the program is similar to the medical training firefighters and police officers receive on how to care for a patient until EMS crews arrive, Hartog said.
Some of what students learn in the 100-hour program includes wound care, splinting, oxygen administration, child birth, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, lifting and moving patients and how to deal with emotionally distraught patients, Hartog said.
The hands-on training is in addition to lessons in subjects such as anatomy, cardiology and muscular and skeletal systems. The students also receive weekly homework assignments, have quizzes and take about six cumulative exams.
"It's an in-depth, work-laden and rigorous program," Hartog said. "We cover more than a typical EMR program does because we're preparing them to work on an ambulance."
Once a student successfully completes the program and receives certification from the state, he or she is welcome to work on an ambulance as a volunteer, Hartog said. Following the town school calendar, the program begins in September and finishes in June. This past year, classes were taught on Sundays.
Although Samuel who completed the course this past year used what he learned to help the injured hikers, Hartog said it's not just the training that matters.
"We can teach you how to do something, but you've got to have a certain ability to pull it all together and use it," said Hartog. "Sam was baptized by fire. He was thrown into a real world situation and without adult supervision or support, kept his cool and did what he had to do. That's impressive."
To learn more about the Westport EMS Explorer program or to sign up for the upcoming course, contact Kevin Doherty at 203-341-6005 or via email at kdoherty@westportct.gov.
Read about Samuel Boas' extraordinary story here.
What do you think about the Westport EMS Explorer program? Do you know a student who's graduated from the program? Please share with us below!
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