EMT students were given the opportunity to play different roles: patients and EMTs. This activity allowed students to learn the difference of perspectives between the patients and EMTs. Taking part as an EMT, students retrieved materials and used best practice methods to extract the patient while using proper immobilization methods, including the use of a c-spine. Photograph Courtesy of Timothy Hare
Firefighters from the Southern York County Area prepare the setting for a vehicle extraction activity for students in the EMT class on April 5. This mock scenario was an opportunity for EMT students to expand their knowledge and gain a better understanding of a vehicle extraction situation. “[Students] were able to practice communication skills, practice movement of patients, and what it is like inside a car as it is being taken apart by the fire department,” EMT teacher Elizabeth Worley said. Photograph by Jenna ShuminChief of Glen Rock EMS Ed Bailey gives EMT students a pep talk before they tackle the mock vehicle extraction. He mentions the importance of safety and protection for students and their peers. Bailey was a former science teacher for Susquehannock High School. He became an EMT in 1978. Bailey has been captain since 2013. Photograph by Jenna Shumin
EMT students suit up in protective gear for the extraction activity. Taking part in this opportunity will help students if they choose to pursue EMS in their future careers. “…even if you choose to be a doctor or surgeon, you’ll still know more about how the crashes happened and how they had to get the patient out, so you can have an insight to some injuries,” junior Noah Pohlig said. Photograph by Jenna Shumin
Firefighters from Glen Rock take off the car’s windshield as a way to simulate the procedures of a real vehicle crash. An EMT student plays the role of patient and sits inside the car during this removal. Pohlig believes this experience is beneficial to all EMT students. “Letting us be hands-on instead of just reading the textbook…will help everyone immensely so that we’ve actually experienced it and know how to do it,” Pohlig said. Photograph by Jenna Shumin
EMT students were given the opportunity to play different roles: patients and EMTs. This activity allowed students to learn the difference of perspectives between the patients and EMTs. Taking part as an EMT, students retrieved materials and used best practice methods to extract the patient while using proper immobilization methods, including the use of a c-spine. Photograph Courtesy of Timothy Hare
Junior Anthony Peluso covers the face of fellow junior Dylan Matthews with a cloth to protect him from glass and other materials. Matthews was playing the role of a patient, with Peluso serving as the EMT. It’s important for students to remain safe and protected while learning from the vehicle extraction experience. “I hope [students] feel more confident with the [vehicle extraction] process,” Worley said. “Also, [feel confident with] how the different parts of the EMS system work together to accomplish a goal.” Photograph by Jenna ShuminGlen Rock firefighters and EMT students practice using tools and other equipment to take off the car doors. This step in the activity emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in critical situations in order to avoid harming the patient(s). Students interested in taking the EMT class “…have to be dedicated and have good time management,” Worley said. “They have to be willing to help others, and not be afraid to jump right in; The accomplishment and the ability to help others in an emergency is a wonderful experience but it takes a lot of hard work.” Photograph by Jenna Shumin
Junior Illiana Buehrle prepares to extract fellow class member Noah Pohlig from the vehicle during the EMT vehicle extraction activity. Having this opportunity allowed students to experience a real-life scenario. “A lot of the time, people who go into EMS or firefighting, the first time they see stuff is the actual situation,” Buehrle said. “It gave me more of an idea of what to expect if I do pursue the EMT field.” Photograph by Jenna Shumin
EMT students secure the patient for safe transport during the mock vehicle extraction on April 5. The EMTs practiced strapping the victim into the spinal board. The EMT class goes above and beyond to provide learning opportunities for the students. “[The EMT class] is really hard, but it’s worth it,” Pohlig said. “It will put you out of your comfort zone, but you learn so much that you don’t think about it by the end of the class, you just think about what you’re doing and how you’re helping people.” Photograph Courtesy of Timothy HareThe vehicle extraction activity ended with the patients being wheeled off into an emergency vehicle. Students got to see both the patient’s and EMT’s perspectives in a real life situation. “[EMT students] were able to practice the skills we are learning in class that are essential for EMS calls in the real world,” Worley said. Photograph by Jenna Shumin
