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March 10, 2008
New pilot program trains students to be Medical First Responders
A Medical First Responders pilot program has been created at Engadine Consolidated Schools, and is designed to give 11th and 12th grade students training in emergency medical services to fill the demand for MFR’s in the Engadine area.
“The State of Michigan is currently experiencing a shortfall of new recruits in EMS in both the rural and urban areas,” said Dennis Karuzas, Marquette General EMT instructor coordinator. “One of our goals is to increase membership with Engadine’s local Medical First Responder Corps.”
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Engadine High School 11th and 12th grade students watch and learn as student Devon Derusha gets positioned and tied the proper way on a backboard during the Medical First Responder pilot course.
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A Medical First Responder is the first of four certification levels for Emergency Medical Technicians.
The program is offered as part of the school’s science credit curriculum. Once the students complete the course and turn 18, they can take the state examination to become certified as MFR’s and join the local volunteer ambulance corps, to serve the residents of both Garfield and Newton Townships.
The program was spearheaded by a collaborative relationship between Tony Sorenson, State of Michigan EMS; Bob Struck, Upper Peninsula EMS; and Dennis Karuzas, Marquette General EMT instructor coordinator.
What makes the program unique is that Dennis Karuzas utilizes the Interactive Telecommunication Video System to teach the class. Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and the local Ambulance services have agreed to assist as on-site instructors for skilled practical experience.
The program, which began January 7 and runs until May 16, was made possible by a $5,000 one-time grant from the Sault Tribe Chippewa Indians, and the support of many organizations.
“This program has been a wonderful example of what can be accomplished in rural areas when qualified, dedicated professionals team up with local resources,” said Laura Frisch, family nurse practitioner who originally promoted the program. “Without the support of The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, UPEMS, Marquette General Health System, the State of Michigan EMS division, Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, and both Engadine Schools and the Intermediate School District, this project would never have been accomplished.”
For information on the school-based Medical First Responders pilot program, please contact Dennis Karuzas at (906) 225-7590, or by e-mail at djkaruzas@mgh.org. You may also visit www.mgh.org/emt.
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