EMT Training at Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps

(Submitted by Caitlin HIggins, SHS Class of 2024)
For my Senior Options project, along with 20 other SHS seniors, I took an EMT course at Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. For six weeks, (an accelerated pace since a typical course is twelve weeks long) we learned all about human anatomy, basic life support, how to safely transport people, how to act in times of crisis and more. From 8:45 am to 3:00pm we would have instruction— which ranged from lectures to hands-on scenarios. Yet outside of class we were able to take shifts and ride on an ambulance working alongside the crew experiencing real calls.

The greatest takeaways I had from this course is the importance of not jumping to conclusions/making assumptions, paying attention to detail, and compassion. Many of the times we see these patients during the most stressful and painful experiences of their life. Being able to properly comfort someone and take care of them in an appropriate and swift manner makes the world of a difference.

The course culminated with a surprise mock mass casualty incident held at the Scarsdale Pool with a fake chlorine leak and stampede. The course instructors along with the Scarsdale Fire Department, the Scarsdale Pool, and an ER doctor from White Plains hospital set up the scenario to test our knowledge and skills. We had volunteers (parents and family members) dressed with fake blood, scrapes, bruises and provided cheat sheets of their symptoms/stats. This was a very exciting exercise with a lot of commotion, yet we pulled through. Afterwards, we celebrated the end of class with a barbecue at SVAC headquarters.

To volunteer in New York, EMT students need to take the NY State certification exam. In addition, there is a national exam which some states will accept as well. Last week I passed the NY State certification exam and the prior week, I passed the National exam. This month, I will officially start as an EMT at SVAC, and when I leave for college (out of state) I hope to volunteer there as well. This course was engaging, exciting, and informative. It definitely prepares you for certification. It is empowering and comforting to have the knowledge to help and possibly save another person.

Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance is supported by personal donations. Please consider donating to this amazing group of volunteers and the incredible service they provide to our community. Donate here: