First Responder Course Enables Students To Pursue Goals and Save Lives | Mannat Kaurv
This past Monday marked the start of the First Responder five-point-five course at MC, initiated for the first time in school history. This 30 hour program enables students to respond in medical or trauma emergencies, through training that includes the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) program, AHA (American Heart Association), and the STOP THE BLEED campaign.
MC’s fire science teacher, Michael Martinez, developed the class through observations as an educator.
“The [students] were not knowledgeable on emergency response…I saw a need and thought it’d be a good idea to offer the class,” Martinez said.
Martinez spent fifteen years in the firefighting service, retiring as a captain and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). He aims to foster a community of well-informed individuals, trained to become upstanding citizens.
“They’re going to get some skills on how to deal with emergency situations; how to think calmly, clearly, and perform actions that can save lives,” Martinez said.
Students enrolled believe the class will enhance their exploration of future career paths.
Freshman Lin Quirimit has career goals that align with the course.
“I want to be a paramedic when I grow up and possibly even work as a firefighter if I can…this class in general is a really good intro for that,” Quirimit said.
Quirimit notes the companionship developed with her peers despite the novelty of the class.
“Even though we have only met for one day, the people in it are really high spirited, they’re really kind; it already kind of feels like a family,” Quirimit said.
Junior Samiah Bradford enrolled to deepen her knowledge and enhance her skills as she pursues nursing. Bradford looks forward to the course and learning from Martinez.
“He keeps us engaged, he keeps the conversation going… I can’t wait to see what else he has got planned for us,” Bradford said.
Students will transition from theory to simulated fieldwork, with eventual certification. The course is projected to end a week before the school year ends.
