Scout Post Views Paramedics in Action

A Thousand Oaks ambulance company has joined with the Boy Scouts of America to give young people the opportunity to watch paramedics in action.

The program is called the Emergency Medical Service Explorer post, sponsored by MedTrans Ambulance and the Boy Scouts Council in Camarillo.

MedTrans Explorer Post 9911 was formed in April and has given 24 people interested in careers in emergency medicine hands-on experience, said Rob Snyder, paramedic supervisor for MedTrans Ambulance.

After completing a standard curriculum involving first aid and life-saving skills such as CPR, explorers may go out on emergency calls with paramedics.

“The explorers are part of the shift. They have no direct patient contact, but they participate in drills and training with the paramedics,” Snyder said. “They do everything from cleaning up the station to [riding along] on emergency calls.”

The post is made up of about 50% males and 50% females. “We have a great representation of women out here,” Snyder said.

As part of their training, the explorers are taught the teamwork necessary to keep an injured person stable during treatment at an accident or while being transported to a hospital. Explorers who ride along with paramedics view how law enforcement officers, nurses and doctors perform their duties in emergency situations.

“We have a lot of team building. Every time you train, you have a partner. Everyone cheers you on,” Snyder said.

Explorers must buy their own uniforms, which cost about $50, and each member pays $1 dues per meeting. The dues help pay for scholarships and other post needs.

To join MedTrans Explorer Post 9911 or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, call 496-4664.