Junior EMS

[mamapede73]

We are a small volunteer squad in New York State and have been having a daytime staffing problem. The idea of a Junior membership has been brought up in the past and now we are gathering information on how to go about bringing this program to fruition. I am in charge of gathering what info I can. I have already contacted our Regional Emergency Medical Organization and am waiting to see if they have any protocols for us to follow. Anyone out there who has been thru this process and has advice for us...it would be greatly appreciated! :confused:

[Fireguy57]

I started as an EMT when I was 16. And I must say, the early years helped me alot in the long run. I was basically an attendant. I sent up Oxygen, carried the bags, did radio reports, checked BP's at fire scene's for I guess you'd call it triage or fireman's relief. I also learned a whole bunch of info, and tactics you don't get from the class room. When I turned 18 I was ready to go. and had two years more expirence than most new members.
I support Junior EMS 150%!

I suggest getting Junior Firefighters, at 14 Get them red cross first aid and CPR; at 15 go for advanced first aid; at 16 EMT or First responder; 17 keep up Con-ed, or take EMT if they took FR before; At 18-You've got a great, very well trained and expirenced EMT.
:cool:

[jasonemtb]

I think that explorer programs are great. I was an explorer for Franklin county and it has help me get my foot in the door. i just recently got my EMT certification at age 17. with out explorers it might not have been as easy to get my certifcation. :)

[CaptainMikey]

The explorer post that I was involved with and still am was with a major(county wide) ALS/MICU(mobile Intensive Care Unit) provider. The post provided me with some of the best training in the world. Its a whole lot different than doing scenarios in class. I was basicly a grunt, grabed gear, cot, spiked the ivs and got them ready, restock the equip except for the meds. Took pt info and baseline vitals. Set up the 4lead and basicly assited the crew. The crews love having explorers, it lets them focus on the pt while we get everything for them, o2 and all the buttons on the box control pannel(lights, suction, o2, vents, etc...The post is the only reason why I did so well in my classes.