911 Calls: From a High Schooler

You really wouldn't think the state would let high schoolers respond to 911 calls. But they do. I myself have the privilege of being one of those highschoolers. As a volunteer in my local first aid squad, I have the privilege and responsibility of being able to respond to emergencies. I get a glimpse into the world of medicine all while being just 17. Not many people can say that. 

Every day’s a little different. With over 100+ hours volunteering, I’ve been able to appreciate all the moments, small and big. At times, I can go many shifts without a single call. In fact, it took me three just to get my first one. After having been on over fifty calls, I will never forget my first. As a new member,  I remember the nerves waiting for my first call. I sat around as people told me the stories of their first call: possible stroke, patient feeling dizzy, diabetic with a very high blood sugar. Finally, the alarm rang – except it wasn’t just one; we heard the tone for both EMS and fire. “Damn, quite the first call for you huh?” all the other cadets exclaimed. A car accident two minutes out with a possible fire. We jumped into the rig and headed out to the scene. The other cadets told me what to expect; on scene, I brought out the needed supplies. We carefully helped the patients out of their car and brought them into the rig. Fortunately, no fire though; that was a different call. I saw medicine from the other perspective: being there for someone during their lowest moments. I helped the patients calm down as they sat there nervous and shaking and helped them carry their bags. Back in the rig, I took their vitals. Not much else had to be done, but just the act of taking their vitals meant so much to me. The patient then said something along the lines of “I’ve never been in an incident like this, but you guys are fantastic; thank you so much!” I hadn’t done much, but that one sentence made it seem like I had accomplished something amazing…something unimaginable. Damn, is that what doctors feel like? That very instance made me realize the level of fulfillment of serving my community and it truly paved my passion for the medical field.

We’ve seen all kinds of people. Young, old, male, female, ill, healthy. Anything can truly happen to anyone. No one in the back of that rig expects to be there, but it’s truly a lesson that anything can happen to anyone at any time. Each call comes with its own lesson and every day I volunteer, I learn something new. While I’ve learned CPR, how to use the equipment, basic CPR, first aid, I’ve learned that life teaches the best lessons.

Luckily, I’m far from alone in these experiences. Volunteering here, I’ve made wonderful friendships. From the much older, experienced EMTs, I learn much about life. They go on about their life experiences and what they’ve seen so long in the profession. However, what I’ve truly learned is that lessons can come from the young as well. I learn so much from those in the same shoes as me – highschoolers. Each person has a story to tell, a lesson to share, and being here gives me the privilege of learning those stories and lessons.

Overall, at this first aid squad, I, as a small, insignificant high schooler in this big world, can truly create a significant impact on my community and visualize this impact. It’s my first step in my commitment to a continual commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of others.