Valuable new volunteers for emergencies

Emergency medical officials from throughout the state are taking notice of the successful high school training program in McCook.

Kathy Dernovich, who teaches the EMT Basic class for high school students in McCook, found that out Friday when she made a presentation at the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services training meeting in North Platte.

"I didn't hear of anyone who was offering a similar program on the high school level, but I heard from a lot of people who wanted more information on what we are doing in McCook," she said.

This is only the second time in her 21-year career at McCook College that Kathy has taught an EMT-Basic class for high schoolers. "The other time was a number of years ago when we received a grant from the state to offer the class," she said.

But this time the class was conceived and presented on the local level.

The results have been impressive.

"You couldn't ask for a better bunch of students to work with," Dernovich said.

Although classes last from 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. two days per week, students have a great attendance record and respond readily to extra assignments at the hospital and the nursing home, she said.

Most of the students are planning to enter the health profession, and their dedication and commitment is an uplifting experience for those who teach them.

Before the EMT-Basic course is complete, the students will have spent nine months in the classroom, and many additional hours in ambulances and emergency rooms.

Their reward will be the right to volunteer as EMT-Basics, qualified to ride in ambulances and assist with basic life support, airway care, glucometer readings, diabetic emergencies and basic assistance in ambulance care functions.

After 21 years of teaching EMT classes in McCook and the area, Kathy says she remains amazed at the time and effort expended by students -- whether they be high schoolers or adults. "They spend nine months in the classroom, then take rigorous state tests, all for the right to offer their services as volunteers."

And some go even further, taking classes for an additional two years to become paramedics. While some paramedics are in paid positions, others serve on a volunteer basis.

On all levels of American life, emergency medical volunteers are providing a wonderful service to their home communities. It is especially uplifting, here in McCook and the surrounding area, that the commitment to emergency service is beginning on the high school level.

Thanks to Kathy Dernovich and high school administrators for making the program possible, and thanks to the 12 high school students for inspiring us all with their early start in emergency training.