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Post 53: Students saving lives
By Charlie B., Purple Team

Every town has something special about them. In Darien , it's our emergency medical service called Post 53. And the reason it's so special, is that the main group of this EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) service are high-schoolers!

These students are as trained as most adults and even take the Certified Medical Test of Connecticut. At least one adult goes on every call, including my dad, who has been with Post for 9 years and is also the adult advisor to the kids who fill out reports on patients. The following is a special look this unique program.

 

Charlie: What do you think has been the best part about being involved with Post 53 for you?

Bill: I think watching the youngest people in town help their oldest and sickest neighbors has been great for me.

Ch: What do you think the former and current members of Post have learned?

B: I think they've learned how dangerous drinking, drugs, and driving really are.

Ch: What is the time commitment like?

B: For the kids, it's a lot. They have to be on duty 48 hours every month, attend weekly training meetings, and do all of the cleaning.

Ch: Do the beginners treat the patients right away, or do they have to work their way up?

B: They have to work their way up by taking the first aid course and certification test, they learn how to use the radios, and they then become an equipment specialist on the ambulance crew. Finally, in their sophomore year, they become an EMT and treat patients.

Ch: The summer is near, which means eighth graders now can be candidates for next year's staff. What would you say to those people considering it?

B: Do it. It's a lot of work, but the experience of a lifetime.