RRHS first responders recognized

Ken Johnston
Editor

At the November meeting of the Rainy River District School Board, held in Rainy River, the Rainy River High School First Responders received a certificate recognizing excellence.
If there is a medical emergency at Rainy River High School they now have seven students trained to respond. Tristan Shumaker, Kaylee Lundgren, Shauna Lundgren, Patricia O’Connor, Matt Sawatzky, Brandon Gough and Hillary Hansen, all completed a new First Responders program last spring.
Taught by Emergency Medical Services staff members Cheryl Morrison and Cheryl Kallaste of Rainy River ambulance, under the guise of John Beaton from Fort Frances, the students learned how to respond to a medical emergency in the school and wherever they happen to be. The local EMT’s volunteered their time to teach the students how to use splints, work with back boards, stop bleeding, work with oxygen, etc.
The course began in October of 2004 with 20 hours of learning from printed materials and has a minimum requirement of 20 hours of practical learning. “They actually did 50-60 hours each,” said Morrison.
The students also wrote a 100 question exam and all passed it. “I am very proud of them and what they have learned,” said Morrison.
This is the third program of its type in the area. Beaton said a class graduated at Fort Frances High School and Lac La Croix as well. Plans are to offer it in Rainy River every two years. Last year’s students were in grade 10. That will allow a continuous flow of First Responders in the school.
Now that the students are qualified Red Cross First Responders, there are two of them always on duty at the school at any given time through the school day.
While the program is not yet recognized as a credit course, the area EMS staff are lobbying the school board for that to happen. The students do however get eight hours towards their community service hours.
Beaton said the program is much more intense than the standard St. John’s Ambulance course. “It is like a step below us,” added Morrison.