On October 23rd 2012 Barranquitas Job Corps EMT Academy partnered with our Security trade and pioneered the first Public Education Safety Training held at a local elementary school. This day was geared towards safety for children and EMT students together with Security students taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students critical safety topics such as Stranger Danger, How to Call 911, and Halloween Safety. Fantastic educational materials were used such as ‘What is an EMT?’ coloring and educational book, ‘Call 911’ color crayons, EMT tattoos, and safety awareness stickers. Students were also sent home with an “In Case Of Emergency” phone number and address information sheet for them to complete with their parents at home and keep on the refrigerator.

The presentation included a full demonstration of all EMS equipment and allowed the students to touch and explore on their own, easing the common fear of EMS professionals by children. Research by the CDC has shown that the use of said visual presentations and tactile materials such as safety books have been beneficial for this age group as well for learning retention. (CDC.org, 2011) Part of the education in EMT is that this profession is heavily involved in public education, research, and safety awareness training and this day was an incredible experience for Job Corps students to really see what their job requires and in turn it motivated them. Security students also trained in the importance of safety educated the children specifically on Stranger Danger which is a critical topic as well for this age. We were told by school administrators EMS locally does not do public education like this and this was the first time anyone has come to their school and really focused on safety training. With that, EMT and Security were requested to return for more safety education for the students of Aibonito Bilingual School.

Great Job EMT and Security!