Darien EMS-Post 53 Recognized Graduates from Intensive Six-Month EMT Training

Final “Extrication” Exercise Provided Realistic Traffic-Accident Training in Partnership with Local First Responders

 Darien, CT (June 7, 2013) – Darien EMS-Post 53 recognized 24 students who graduated from an intensive six-month EMT training program to become State-certified EMTs at its Annual Family Night on May 31st. In addition, five adults completed the course and will join Post 53 as adult advisors. The students celebrated their accomplishments with parents and graduating Post seniors, who were also recognized for their years of service to Post which included a total of more than 4,000 volunteer hours.

The EMT course, which began in October, is a college level curriculum sanctioned and managed by the State of Connecticut. Students receive their certification after successfully completing written and practical tests following 160 classroom and observation hours. The content of the course includes: trauma and medical assessments, CPR and AED, airway management, medical emergencies, trauma management, handling special populations of geriatric and pediatric patients, psychological emergencies and mass casualty incidents. The course focuses on any medical emergencies that occur outside the hospital. In each case the EMT learns how to handle the patient from assessment to treatment.

The students’ dedication and skill level was recognized at the Family Night ceremony, along with the close bond the class developed throughout the year. “I am always moved by the intelligence, dedication and empathy that our young adults demonstrate,” said Ron Hammer, Director of Darien EMS-Post 53.

Students applied all they learned to an “extrication” exercise in May, simulating a serious highway accident where several people are trapped in overturned vehicles. Noroton Heights Fire Department participated in the exercise with the EMT class students, who face difficult life-saving situations to get their “victims” safely on their way to the hospital. This is the 34th year the course has been taught at Darien EMS.

Founded in 1970, Post 53 provides emergency medical services to the Darien community at the highest level of excellence, using Darien High School students and adult volunteers. The members of Post 53 are committed to achieving and maintaining the highest level of training and skill in providing pre-hospital care and transport to the citizens of Darien. Post 53 is recognized locally and nationally as one of the finest emergency ambulance services in the United States, for its consistently high quality of pre-hospital emergency care.
                                                     # # #