At the scene of an accident, all first responders — police, firefighters and EMTs or paramedics — work together.
Police secure the scene, direct traffic and investigate. Firefighters help to block traffic and extricate those involved in the crash from the vehicle, allowing EMTs to treat and transport victims to the hospital.
As Waunakee-area students participate in the Waunakee Village Center’s WATCH program beginning this Saturday, they will witness that seamless cooperation first-hand in the program’s finale as the three Waunakee departments produce a mock crash.
WATCH — Waunakee area Trusted Community Heroes — is a program for area intermediate and middle school students. They meet for three Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with local responders, spending the first week with the Waunakee EMS, the second with the Waunakee Police Department and the third at the Waunakee Fire Department. This is the first year for the mock crash, when the responders will demonstrate what they’ve taught over the past three sessions.
About 30 students sign up each year for the WATCH program. Its purpose is to give young people role models, along with an appreciation for first responders’ work.
Each department offers hand-on learning activities. The fire department will show them how to climb ladders and use a fire house, said Brian Adler, the department’s Battalion Chief.
EMTs will demonstrate hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Deputy Chief Dustin Riggs said.
“Some of the skills that we’re going to teach them they could potentially use, hopefully not but potentially use in their day-to-day life,” Riggs said. In addition to CPR, they’ll learn to stop wounds from bleeding and what to expect if they call 911 dispatch, he said.
Police show them the laser and radar, and provide a drone and K-9 demonstration. They also show evidence collection, Lt. Rob Beaudette said. He and Officer Glenn Jacob said part of the time will be spent discussing operating while intoxicated, having the students wear goggles to experience impaired vision.
During the mock crash, Officer Jacob will conduct a field sobriety test on the driver, played by Emily Gavinski, daughter of Waunakee Village Center Program Coordinator Connie Gavinski, who launched the WATCH program three years ago.
A large part of the police unit teaches about the risks and consequences of using substances, Jacob said, calling it education they can use in their everyday lives.
While the young people learn more about the fields, they’re also interacting with the first responders and seeing them in a new, perhaps less intimidating light.
Riggs remembers responding to one of the participant’s homes for an EMS call and felt the family had a greater degree of confidence and ease.
“It kind of humanizes us,” he said.
Adler said he sees the participants’ growth throughout the program.
“Some come in very shy, but when they leave, they’re more confident,” he said
The program allows members of the departments to be more approachable for the young people, he said.
Gavinski’s idea for the WATCH program took root during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, adding one of the goals was to give young people good role models. The day includes time for snacks and lunch, and in between, she described the activities as “very much hands-on with positive interaction.”
“It’s fun,” Adler added.
Now, while recruiting new police officers, EMTs and firefighters is challenging, the program could fulfill another purpose.
“Another huge part in my mind is future career path exploration,” Gavinski said.
Most Popular
Comments / 0