BT High School EMTs & Firefighters in Action

Beth Tfiloh students are instilled with a commitment to chessed—actively helping to improve our community, both locally and globally. Several of our students take this message to a whole new level.

 

Joe S. '12, Josh A. '12, Julian S. '13 and Lucas C. '13 volunteer with the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Co. Under the guidance of BT parent and First EMS Lieutenant Scott M. Weiner, all four serve as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), with Josh and Joe also volunteering as firefighters. 

All four boys underwent a rigorous training process, including a five-week, eight-hour-a-day training class composed of seven modules. For each module, there’s a two-part test – the written and the “practicals”, where EMTs have to demonstrate their skills to the test administrator. While taking the classes, trainees are also required to volunteer on an ambulance crew five times, using their skills and documenting any services administered during the call.

 

Julian’s interest in volunteering as an EMT began a few years ago when he started considering a career in medicine. His most intense call was a fatal car accident at the intersection of Garrison Forrest Road and Greenspring Ave., where the 21 year-old victim suffered a cardiac arrest. “Never in a million years did I think I would know people who knew the person,” he recalls, after seeing two of his fellow BT students at a candlelight vigil in her memory.

 

Lucas was inspired to become an EMT several years ago after a neighbor’s house burned down. His stepfather, Lt. Weiner, was already a volunteer at the fire department, and the two began spending time together there. “It’s a bonding thing for me and my stepfather, and I like helping the community.”

 

Lucas also remembers his first cardiac arrest call. While volunteering for an overnight shift at the station late in the winter, a call came in at 2:30 a.m. Lucas and his stepfather both responded to the call. “It was my first time doing CPR,” he notes, but sadly, the patient did not survive.

 

Julian comments that many people – both in the community and even at school – don’t realize the level of care the four of them provide as EMTs because of their young ages. “We’re the ones doing the patient care—taking the vitals, making decisions, consulting with hospital. We have to take care of the patient when they’re in the back of the ambulance.”

Lt. Weiner is very familiar with the scope of the BT boys' services. "I really enjoy mentoring the next generation of providers," he says. "I get true satisfaction meeting them on day one and helping guide them as they begin, what I hope is a life-long devotion to emergency community services. With my connection to BT, knowing that I am mentoring BT students is an extra treat."

 

In addition to saving lives, the boys also volunteer as members of the Chestnut Ridge Fire Station in the community, helping with important functions such as fundraising, or showing up at community events with the fire engine. Josh and Joe are taking their passion for helping other overseas, spending time on their Senior Trip in Israel with the group's designated medics to learn more about emergency care in Israel.

"I have been really impressed with all four (boys) for their dedication, devotion and spirit, and truly can't wait to see where this choice of life takes them," comments Lt. Weiner. "They truly are making a difference in our community every day and I'm extremely proud of them." We couldn't agree more!

May 20-26 is National EMS Week. Beth Tfiloh salutes our community heroes and thanks them for their service and devotion to our community.