PULSE Magazine | August 2018 Issue

By Amanda Baker , Captain

EMS EXPLORER POST 247 SUMMER CAMP

On July 9 th 2018 EMS Explorer Post 247 hosted its annual Summer Camp Session. Each year the Explorer post hosts a two week summer camp session to provide the Explorers with an opportunity to experience hands on training and opportunities that are often unavailable at other times of the year. The Advisors of EMS Explorer Post 247 work with local resources such as Star Flight, Scouts BSA, MCOT and Travis County Intergral Health to provide these opportunities. This year at camp, the Explorers spent a day learning water rescue skills and drown proofing with Captain David Heintz and Medic II Nick Olivo during the first week of camp. On Tuesday morning the group left for a 3 night camp out at Beuscher State Park in Bastrop County. While at the park, Explorers got to participate in various team building activities. They also took part in search and rescue training that in- volved a trauma scenario. The explorers had the opportunity to visit with the State Park Police at the park.

Week two of summer camp began on July 16 th and gave Explorers a week of specialty training classes. Explorers were taught a safety and self- defense class by Sgt. Aaron Thomas with Seton Healthcare where they learned to verbally de-escalate tense situations and how to keep themselves safe if physical altercations are unavoidable. They then spent a day hiking through the green- belt and then swimming at Barton Springs Pool. Wednes- day provided the Explorers the opportunity to learn animal first aid complete with puppies for hands on training that were brought by Commander Temple Thomas and Medic II Fiona Thomas. In the afternoon, John Reynolds with MCOT taught a modified mental health first aid course. On Thursday they were given a tour of the Star Flight hangar and had the opportunity to climb through the aircrafts. They also had the chance to have a question and answer session with the Star Flight crew. Summer camp then concluded on Friday with a day spent rappelling and learning rope rescue techniques from

Captain David Heintz and Medic II Nick Olivo. Explorer Post 247 provides this two week training opportunity each year but continues to operate all year long. Advisors plan weekly training meetings that are held every Tuesday night. Field providers who join the program as Ride-Out Advisors also provide the Explorers with the opportunity to ride out for shifts and gain exposure to real time patient care. The program is open to youth aged 14-21 who have completed the 8 th grade. Explorers are issued uniforms and attend training and community events as well as participating in the Ride-Out program. The program is provided at no cost to the Explorers. If you know some- one who is interested in a career in EMS or the medical field, Explorer Post 247 is a good opportunity to gain hands on experience. Youth interested in joining can visit our website at emspost247.org and fill out the registration form for more information. ATCEMS Field Providers interested in becom- ing a part of the program as a Ride-Out Advisor or at weekly training and events can contact Captain Amanda Baker for more information.

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