Emergency Medical Services

I took a CPR instructor course this weekend. It was six hours a day for two days - an intense but satisfying workshop. The people who take the course are already CPR certified and many of them are EMTs (Emergency Medical Technician). At the workshop, we got re-certified in CPR and learned about new updates to the heart saving curriculum. The class costs more than a $100 but the Dartmouth Emergency Medical Services club (EMS) paid for it. All I need to do in return is teach three CPR classes during spring term to anyone who is interested. After being trained, students can oversee sports events or any other student activity that may call for medical help. Student EMTs take simple fast action while waiting for the professionals to show up to the scene. Many CPR students will be Dartmouth Outdoor Club (DOC) trip leaders because it is required of DOC trip leaders and the crew to be CPR certified so that they can respond appropriately during DOC trips that freshmen take before orientation.

These training programs are sponsored and coordinated by the EMS club. At the EMS club, students can learn how to take care of emergency situations and learn how to use certain medical devices. Participating in the club gives students physical education credit (three P.E. credits are required for graduation). Some members do “ride-alongs” with the Hanover police and fire department.

There's also an EMT conference coming up this month. Members of the EMS club are very excited and Dartmouth pays for the all the participation fees. At the conference, you attend forums related to the medical world.

Some of the people in the EMS club are pre-med, but there are lots of members who just want to learn and get trained. Being a trained EMT is very rewarding because I can help people in need, and I will know how to respond in emergencies.