After-school Career Technological Education classes such as Paramedics Course and Fire Science, kickstart student’s future careers. These courses allow aspiring first responders to learn about the field and become emergency medical technicians and firefighters.
The CTE Paramedics Course guides students to become EMTs by preparing them for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Exam. This exam is held at the end of the spring, and, if passed, licenses students to become an EMT. Students must be eighteen at the end of the course to take the exam and become certified as an EMT.
“My cousin’s grandpa, who I’m very close with, was the chief firefighter of Orange County and that’s what inspired me” Bennett Lark (12).
“I want to do nursing in college as my major, so this was a step towards that. I want to get a head start in college because I know nursing is a hard major,” Mateo Hernandez (12).
The class is held twice a week at Capistrano Valley High School. Students are taught a combination of hands-on and textbook learning to prepare them for the real-life experiences associated with being a first responder. This fast-paced course covers human anatomy, emergency responses, and how to react and handle life-threatening situations.
“I really liked when we learned CPR, it was hands-on and the way they taught it was very helpful,” Daisy Martinez (12).
Similarly, the CTE Fire Science course provides the skills and strengths it takes to become a firefighter. Like the paramedics course, the Fire Science course combines hands-on learning with textbook learning. The course focuses on the skills necessary to take on emergency situations and fire safety.
Students from the Paramedics Course have the opportunity to participate in ride-alongs. These rides take students through the exact process of responding to an emergency situation. Students are taken along with first responders, and given small tasks to assist with the savior process. In more dire situations, students are more likely to observe, whereas, in less crucial situations, many are allowed to help and take hands-on positions.
“It’s a twelve-hour shift, it’s from eight to eight. We do whatever they tell us to. There are calls, we go on them with the calls, we assess the patients if it’s not a severe case,” Hernandez.
“I’m really looking forward to riding along with the EMT on the ambulance…you go on the ambulance and help with things within your scope of practice,” Mladenovic.
Some students face challenges when taking this course. Balancing its rigorous nature with high school courses and outside activities is no easy feat..
“Everyone has different issues that they are going through…you have to be a very empathetic person” Jozie Mladenovic
Other students are trying to step out of their comfort zones in emergency situations. When in an emergency situation, it can be hard to take initiative and command the room.
“Because I’m more of a shy person, I struggle with projecting a loud voice and communicating with the patient… I practice at home and with my friend” Martinez.
CTE courses are giving students opportunities to pursue their dream careers before they even exit high school.
