School Views: Gaining hands-on experience in emergency services
School Views
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Eagle County School District’s Postsecondary Learning and Career Readiness Department launched its inaugural First Responders Explorers Club as an after-school opportunity during the 2024-25 academic school year. This enterprise is specifically geared toward high school students who demonstrate interest in pursuing a career as a first responder or in a related field. The First Responders Explorers Club provides a dynamic opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience and insight into the world of emergency services.
Working in close partnership with the Vail Fire Department, Vail Police Department, Eagle Police Department, Eagle County Dispatch, and Eagle County Paramedics, the First Responders Explorers Club has grown into twice-monthly activities and opportunities for high school students to learn practical skills that are directly applicable to what it means to “be” a firefighter, emergency medical technician, dispatcher, or officer of the law. Activities focus on providing real-life simulations and experiences while also demonstrating the responsibilities and challenges faced by professionals in these critical roles.
The First Responders Explorers Club is more than just another educational opportunity; it is a stepping stone for students considering careers in the emergency services sector. By participating in this program, students develop and build confidence in their abilities, as well as gain a clearer perspective of what it means to be a first responder as they plan for their futures. They are given the unique opportunity to explore their interests in a supportive environment, guided by experts who are passionate about their professions and make a difference in our local community every day.
One example of the hands-on learning these students have experienced is learning proper communication protocols for emergency radio lines. With the support and guidance of our community partners and career professionals, students not only got to learn the proper techniques used but also had the opportunity to travel to the dispatch center to see firsthand the importance of clear, concise, and detailed communication by listening in on the other end of the communication.
One participant, Battle Mountain High School Junior Jaedyn Turmel, said that their favorite part about participating in the First Responders Explorers Club was having the opportunity to visit the Dispatch Center.
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“I got to experience firsthand what I am going to do after high school as I follow my future career path as a firefighter,” Turmel said.
Students have also learned various de-escalation and self-defense tactics. Working with both Vail and Eagle police departments, students learned and practiced various techniques that can be utilized to ensure their safety and the safety of others in difficult tense or physical situations. The Vail Fire Department taught students some of the training and knowledge used by their firefighters to fight fires, such as management of the various apparatus on a fire truck, water operation, and more.
Through this innovative program, Eagle County School District is fostering a new generation of skilled and knowledgeable emergency responders, ready to take on the challenges of a career in the emergency field. Eagle County School District believes that the First Responders Explorers Club is just another example and testament to the power of community collaboration and the importance of providing young people with meaningful, career-focused educational experiences.
Our Postsecondary Learning and Career Readiness Department continues to find innovative ways to share unique professional experiences, and we are excited to continue to offer the First Responders Explorers Club in the future with the amazing support we receive from our community partners. Students interested in learning more about this or other opportunities Eagle County School District offers can talk with their school counselors or reach out to Shannon Grant, director of postsecondary learning and career readiness, at shannon.grant@eagleschools.net.
Likewise, local businesses interested in partnering with Eagle County School District and sharing their careers with our students can also contact Ms. Grant. This can include classroom presentations, on-site field trips, stations at our Work Week and Career Expo events, and more. We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to engage our students and collaborate with our community.
