Have you ever wanted to be a Firefighter or EMT?
Students at South High can enroll in a Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician program at South Technical High School. This program allows students to earn firefighting, EMT, and first responder certifications.
Senior Charlie Wohlschlaeger explains that the two classes are separate. Juniors are able to learn about firefighting, while seniors take the EMT part of the course.
“Our class is split between firefighting and EMT. During junior year, we get our firefighting certifications through lectures and mostly physical work in the shop,” said Wohlschlaeger. “During our senior year, we focus on EMT, which is mostly online and a lot more bookwork.”
Additionally, Wohlschlaeger dives into what each class has to offer.
“I’ve learned many skills during junior year that extend beyond just fire. We learn about fire dynamics, hazardous materials, architecture/structural engineering, vehicle extrication, how vehicles work, fire prevention, and a ton of other skills. EMT has taught me a lot so far about human anatomy, CPR, and the basics of EMT,” he said.
Senior Emily Bollenbacher shared her favorite class memory.
“I would say my all-time favorite memory is when we did forcible entry,” said Bollenbacher. “Just being able to pound on the door and break it open was just so fun for me and is probably my favorite thing we have done.”
Junior Kristen also talked about her memories.
“One of my favorite memories so far was when we got our Fire Gear,” said Kristen. “It was incredible knowing that we are trusted enough to be given special, fit-to-us specifically, just for us Fire Gear. It made me feel like I was a part of a team that was more than just a grouping of people.”
The Firefighting and EMT teacher, David Hope, is dedicated to helping his students succeed. He started teaching at a local community college for EMTs but later applied to South Technical High School which is where he currently teaches.
“I believe that as EMTs and firefighters, we need to help the next generation of first responders. We need to ensure they are well-trained and ready for this opportunity,” said Hope.
Students constantly work hard to succeed in the course. According to Hope, it is a rigorous program.
“This is a 2-year college-level program. Nothing changes from the college or the fire academy except the time we have,” said Hope. “They need to understand there is a lot of bookwork to go through. It is not all just putting water on fire-type things. All of my students will tell you the amount of studying is way more intense than they thought.”
Although there is a tremendous amount of studying, students also get the opportunity to travel on field trips and experience their coursework in a hands-on environment.
“Junior and senior classes attend the St. Louis County Fire Academy for practice and training. The seniors go to SLU School of Medicine for a lesson on medical procedures and a trip to the Cadaver Lab, where they have hands-on experience with an actual body. Seniors eligible for the EMT also do 36 hours of rides on a local ambulance assisting in patient care as part of their certification,” said Hope.
Kristen said she takes the class because she knows how valuable it is to help others.
“I am doing South Tech’s Firefighting/EMS Program because I believe that Firefighters and EMTs hold two of the most crucial jobs in this world. I am deeply passionate about being able to help people,” said Kristen.
Additionally, Bollenbacher says she was drawn to the program due to a family connection.
“My grandfather, who passed away because of COVID, was a firefighter. At his funeral, on the way to the burial service, we drove past the firehouse where he worked. All the firemen working were standing along the road, and they had the ladder truck extended all the way out with a flag hanging from it. Seeing that, and how respected he was, was the reason I had an interest in firefighting,” said Bollenbacher.
Even in high school, Hope said students in the program are already using the skills they’ve learned in the real world.
“We have had many students recognized while they are still in high school for their good works. Just last year, I had a student who saved his mother’s life by recognizing the signs of a stroke early on and getting her the help she needed,” said Hope.
Once students finish the 2-year program, they have to decide what they want to do after high school.
“I hope to get a job as an EMT over the summer this year and then go into a 2-year paramedic school at community college after graduation,” said Wohlschlaeger.
Kristen shared her goals, as well.
“My goals after high school are to go to Washington University in St. Louis as a 5th Generation student, and then go into the fire service,” said Kristen.
Finally, Bollenbacher talked about her goals.
“My goals after high school are to go to school and get all of my licenses for Fire and EMS. And hopefully, I’ll be working at a firehouse as soon as possible,” said Bollenbacher.
Overall, Wohlschlaeger said that he would recommend the class because of the insightful experience and the classmates he’s met along the way.
“I believe that South Tech as a whole is a great opportunity for anyone who has the chance to apply,” said Wohlschlaeger. “It is a free education that gives amazing knowledge about the field you choose and allows you to meet friends for life.”
