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."

The schedules are set in order to allow everyone who wants to ride the ambulance, the opportunity. Next year, Ms. Wilson will be headed to college to become a nurse.

Each call is reviewed, and students are asked if they feel things went OK. "We're very conscious of how they may feel after a tough call," Ms. Farrell said. "If it was a rough one, we'll have an immediate de-briefing either back at school or with the others at the fire station. We take emotional support very seriously."

If it weren't for the students, the Bolton Ambulance Service would have had to hire personnel, said Pierino (Gigi) Bonazzoli, a director.

"They are very well trained," he said. "They can handle it all. They are very, very, very good providers."

Bonazzoli, who usually drives the ambulance during the day, said hospital staffs look forward to the students' arrival, and are impressed with their interaction.

"Many of them have gone on to become doctors, nurses and paramedics. That may not have happened if they hadn't been exposed to this kind of work," he said, adding that he enjoys working with the youths.

For Martha McKean, 18, a serious vehicle crash was the most difficult. "It was really bad. Max (Roemer) and I took care of one patient, and Sara and Luis were handling another. Our patient spoke Portuguese, and there was a language barrier. But, since I had taken Spanish classes, I understood a little."

Although she was undecided about her future four years ago, that's no longer the case. Martha said she plans to take pre-med classes next year. "I had the opportunity to shadow someone in the trauma center as part of our program."

Ms. Farrell said students formally join the Bolton squad once they turn 18, and continue to volunteer when they come home on breaks from college.

Others have joined their college EMS teams or volunteer in the community were their university is located.

Right now, there are 22 student EMTs handling emergency calls, and another 14 just started taking the training. "We use one or two from every class. They drop out if they realize it's not for them," she said.

Max Roemer said he considers himself fortunate to have had the chance to become an EMT, and plans to keep his certification. His exposure to EMS has also guided him to a career in nursing.

"I'm going to the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, and I'd like to be an EMT in Boston while I'm there."

Roemer said teachers support the program, and allow the EMTs to make up work they miss when they bolt out of the classroom to render aid.

In the Bolton community, residents expect to see teenagers when they call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. And, Kelly said they couldn't be in better hands.