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Exploring new skills

by Priya Padmanabhan

At 6:30 p.m on Dec. 30, a large group of tired but eager-eyed high-school students in uniform, marched into the crowded Cubberley auditorium filled with proud parents and fire department officials. The event was the Winter Academy graduation ceremony of the Palo Alto Explorers program.

The students had attended a five-day camp at Camp Cutter located in the Santa Cruz mountains in the last week of December. Heavy rains and cold weather didn't dampen the enthusiasm of 80 students at Camp Cutter.

From its modest start in 1995, the Palo Alto Fire Department's Emergency Medical Response Explorer Post 5 has grown to become the state's largest Explorer program. In Palo Alto, it is offered at Gunn High School, Palo Alto High School and Castilleja School.

The Emergency Medical Response had its beginnings at Gunn High School in 1994 during a senior prank gone awry. When the prank turned into a serious fire, senior Tony Graham, along with two others who were trained in emergency relief care, came to the rescue of their school mates.

Graham then formed an on-campus club, and the team slowly expanded into the community, initially as a first-aid team for local events. In 1996, the Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD) lent support to the Explorer program and has been its sponsor ever since.

Today, students from seven high schools in the Bay Area are part of the EMS Explorer Post 5.

"Those who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine or nursing feel this is a good starting point," said Graham, who now directs the program.

Open to high school students ages 14-21 years, the program requires all members to have a minimum level of training of basic first aid and CPR. The Post conducts yearly classes in emergency response, the highest level of training offered by the American Red Cross.

The EMS I class features basic first aid, radio communications, team building, scene safety and explorer safety, among other things. EMS II involves advanced training in topics such as emergency response review, oxygen administration and advanced patient assessment. On finishing the course, students are given the title of Emergency Responder.

At school, explorer students meet every other Monday and sometimes on weekends. The program may seem time consuming for high school students who have a lot of other things on their plate, but students don't seem to mind. Molly Crystal of Gunn High School said, "Among the things the program has taught me is about managing my time better."

Graham added, "The kids choose to do the program and there's no pressure from parents. Every explorer feels passionate about the program."

Besides regular meetings, the explorers attend a yearly camp that involves simulated calls, drills, lectures and talks by advisors. During the last camp students listened to guest speakers talk about the fire fighter rescue efforts during the 9-11 attacks and the Columbine school shooting.

Parent Bea Crystal told the Weekly how the program had brought a new dimension to her daughter Molly's personality. "Ever since Molly joined the program, she's become more independent and takes a lot of initiative in doing things." Molly Crystal who is from Gunn High school won a leadership award at the camp along with Ally Holodniy also from Gunn and Katrina Lee of Homestead High school.

Explorers not only prepare for action, they've responded to real-life situations.

Graham said, " A team of explorers once treated a woman who was hurt in a bicycle accident."

The Post serves the community by setting up first-aid stations at events such as festivals, street fairs and cultural events, and provides on-scene emergency medical support. Explorers are allowed to explore aspects of emergency services by riding along with the PAFD's engine companies and paramedic units; and sitting in on 911 calls and dispatches.

"They are also encouraged to assist us in the leadership core," Graham said. The leadership team consists of five sergeants, two lieutenants and a captain.

The recruitment process for would-be explorers takes place September through December every year. The demand for the program can be seen in the number of applicants. "Fifty-eight students were selected out of 72 applications last year," said Graham. To apply, students need to fill out an application form and attend an oral board interview. For more information visit:www.pafdexplorers.org. Priya Padmanabhan can be e-mailed at ppadmanabhan@paweekly.com