Firefighting unit ignites new interest in EMS class

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Emergencies are not planned and can occur under a variety of circumstances. A recent class connection with local firefighters left high school juniors in Erie 1 BOCES’ Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program wanting to learn more about firefighting.

“I closed out the unit with a skills day to practice some of the concepts that they learned in class,” said Donald Turner, Erie 1 BOCES EMS instructor at BOCES’ Kenton Career & Technical Center. “With the help of Grand Island Fire Company, students practiced donning and doffing firefighter turnout gear with air packs, using fire extinguishers at targets, and using a fire hose.”

They also had an opportunity to explore all the equipment on the fire engine. In addition to the Grand Island Fire Company, Eggertsville Fire Department also provided gear for the class to use.

“This training day was very fun for both the instructors and the students,” Turner continued. “At the end of the day, a few of the students were even asking how they could join their local fire department.”

While any firefighting certification is not currently available to the junior class, the instructor is exploring the option for future classes. The concepts covered in his EMS firefighting unit include fire dynamics, building construction, firefighter personal protective equipment, ropes and knots, and fire extinguishers.

As part of public education, Erie 1 BOCES Kenton Career & Technical offers programs to high school students in Grand Island, Ken-Ton, Sweet Home and various other school districts in Erie County. The EMS program provides a foundation in emergency response methods including patient assessment, treatment and transportation, emergency response methods, dispatch procedures and emergency communication protocols. Youth in the program also have an opportunity to gain their national certifications essential for work in EMS.