First Aid Squad Juniors Hone Their Skills

If you drove past the Summit Middle School April 13 and noticed an unnatural three-car accident in the parking lot attended by a large contingent of Summit Squad members, you can rest easy.  The multi-car collision was the set for a training drill conducted by the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Juniors. 

Close to 20 high school students who make up the Summit Squad Junior Program participated in the training exercise. The simulated Mass Casualty Incident incorporated several victims in a hazardous accident scene designed to put the Squad Juniors through their paces.

“We wanted to place the kids in a chaotic situation that would challenge all of their skills,” said Junior Liaison senior squad member Mike D’Ecclessis. 

Working in teams, the teenage squad members treated volunteer patients, extracted them from vehicles, and prepared them for transport to local hospitals.   The staged victims, all senior squad members, applauded the young members in a debriefing session after the mock incident. 

“It was very unnerving to play the part of a patient, but I felt assured that I was in very capable hands," said Senior Squad Member Linda Wolf.

The Junior Program at the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad is open to high school students who are at least 16 years old.  Information on the program can be found at www.summitems.org.

“Our Juniors are a valuable asset to the Squad.  Their performance in exercises like this demonstrates why," said coordinator Mitch Bernstein.