The Easton Volunteer Emergency Medical Service has initiated a pioneering collaboration, enlisting skilled members of the Sacred Heart University EMS Club to serve as volunteer first responders alongside Easton’s EMS team, according to a press release issued by First Selectman David Bindleglass and Easton EMS Chief Jon Arnold.
“The skilled and compassionate volunteers are the heart and soul of first responder agencies and growing the talent pool through a mix of residents, retirees and especially students can lead to enhanced service, coverage and response times,” stated Arnold in the press release.
Mackenzie Rothschild, SHU senior and chief of the 40-plus member EMS Club, said members have a keen interest in applying their skills and serving beyond campus.
“The student members of the university’s EMS Club are excited about putting our extensive training and talents to great use in Easton,” said Rothschild, who is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in health science. “Easton is a caring community that is just steps away from our campus in Fairfield.”
All the Sacred Heart University students who will volunteer have successfully completed a rigorous Emergency Medical Technician training program, passed a national written exam and passed a practical exam approved by the State’s Office of Emergency Medical Services, according to Arnold. In addition, all new volunteers go through extensive, hands-on field training with senior members of Easton EMS before being cleared for service.
Many students took their EMT training on campus at SHU in a 6-credit class led by faculty member Justin Fortin.
“The students’ initiative to roll up their sleeves and volunteer their time embraces some of the guiding principles and values of the University to serve the community; engage with heart, mind body and spirit; and recognize the dignity and worth of everyone you interact with,” said Fortin, who serves as the EMS Club’s academic advisor.
Easton EMS is a mentoring and learning environment where students would not only help patients when responding to medical calls, but in between calls could catch-up on homework, brush up on their EMT skills, cook and share meals and conversations or just take a break, said Arnold. The planned updated Easton EMS facility with expanded residential living quarters is a huge plus to the Easton community and to the EMS volunteers, according to Arnold.
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