RHS students learn EMS skills
By Lauren Wester
lauren.wester@fct.wpengine.com
Russellville High School students have a new educational opportunity this year. Now, along with conventional dual enrollment classes like speech, English, math and welding, students have the chance to learn about the field of Emergency Medical Services.
Courses EMS 118 and EMS 119 are being offered through Northwest-Shoals Community College. Instructor Justin Flannagan comes to RHS to conduct the course during first block every day during the first semester and second block every day for the whole year.
The courses are offered at no extra cost to students and will be added into RHS’ Pre-Med Academy. The courses will count for two college credits, and after students complete the courses, they will be qualified to take the EMT certification test, if they are 18 years old.
“Roger Garner (director of Workforce Solutions at NW-SCC) approached us and told us that the state department approved the grant for the program so that it would be free of charge to high school students,” explained Natalie Bendall, RHS assistant principal and career technical services coordinator, said. With RHS’ continued focus on improving and expanding its career tech offerings, Bendall said the EMS courses were an obvious fit for the school.
The state department determines each year which job fields need more students, Bendall said. Last year RHS offered Medical Terminology; this year, it’s the EMS program.
“We’re really excited about this opportunity for our students,” she said.
Bendall said she received the call a week before the new school year started and couldn’t pass up the opportunity. She credited counselors Tiffany Warhurst and Alissa Moore for all of their hard work in helping set up the program and recruit students to participate in the classes.
So far, the 20 students enrolled in the course are already learning about the history of the EMS program, their services, equipment and operations, according to Flannagan. Throughout the course, they will learn a plethora of medical skills, including trauma assessment, CPR, tourniquet use and managing airways.
Flannagan said he is excited about the new opportunity. “It’s different. Usually people are coming to my classroom, but now it feels like I’m going to theirs,” he said. “But I’m really enjoying it,”
Flannagan has been a paramedic for 13 years and an instructor at NW-SCC for five.
The class is open to juniors and seniors, and Bendall said she hopes RHS will be able to continue the program next year.
