First Responders: The ability to save lives

Take the unexpected cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bill’s defender Damar Hamlin as proof that medical emergencies can occur at any moment, in any place. Such emergencies require trained and willing bystanders who can not only provide aid to the victim but also handle the situation with confidence and poise. To add to this repertoire of medically trained individuals, the newly formed First Responders Club is equipping its members with the proper knowledge to handle medical emergencies—and perhaps save lives. 

“As a nurse, I’m always looking for ways to ensure that our community members are prepared in case of an emergency,” said Megan Truax, the District Nurse and founder of First Responders Club. With help from school resource officer Deputy Snyder and various members of the surrounding fire stations and EMS outlets, the members of First Responders Club receive a valuable, hands-on learning experience. 

The club supervisors wasted no time in training their members. The first club meeting consisted of a full day field trip where “all club members received their American Heart Association certification in CPR, AED use, first aid, and specialized training in ‘Stop the Bleed,’” said Megan Truax. Obviously, there is no way to predict what medical emergency these club members might experience, so it’s best to equip them with a breadth of basic medical knowledge. 

Along with building knowledgeable students, First Responders Club is also building leaders. “It surely takes expertise to handle a medical emergency,” says Deputy Snyder, “ but it also takes serious calmness, measured thinking, and organization.” Senior club members Mya Kaylor and Carly Hershberger both agree that First Responders Club has given them the ability to be a leader in emergency situations. 

As it stands now, First Responders Club is relatively small with 10 members, but the club supervisors have aspirations to expand student involvement. “I would love to grow this club in the coming years to build up a community of educated, prepared students to tackle any medical scenario,” said Deputy Snyder. Most current club members have stated that they are interested in the medical field, but any student—regardless of their interests—can benefit from the valuable lessons that this club provides.

As the club continues to meet throughout the second semester, club members can expect to keep learning. “We’ll get further into handling scenes where someone has had a heart attack, a seizure, a diabetic emergency, traumas, and broken bones,” says Megan Truax. When it comes to preparing these students for medical emergencies, they simply cannot know enough. 

By the time the first rendition of First Responders Club comes to a close, students will be prepared to manage most medical emergencies that could be thrown their way. “Regardless of what these students choose to pursue,” says Megan Truax, “this knowledge has importance in everyday life.” 

Whether it’s today, tomorrow, or in 20 years, the club members will be ready to handle a medical emergency—and perhaps save a life.