Security and Law, and high school Nursing Assistant students participated in first responder type exercises led by the New York Army National Guard May 16.
Security and Law teacher Frank Kolarik and nursing teacher Christine MacNeil capitalized on an opportunity arranged by work-based learning coordinator Sharon Myers to have their high school juniors and seniors trained during the Army National Guard’s visit to Dutchess BOCES’ Career and Technical Institute.
“Any kind of real life experience is always good stuff,” said MacNeil. “We like to expose them to real life experience as much as possible. They can learn theory in the classroom, but it doesn’t work until you get some real life experience.”
Kolarik said his students came away with stronger teamwork skills and a reality check.
“It’s important for students to learn this. They may be expected to do that,” he said.
Students learned how to handle several different situations, including the proper way to use a shield during civil unrest and how to evaluate and assist the wounded during a mock mass casualty exercise.
Samantha Hand and Zitlali Hernandez are both junior nursing students from Pawling High School.
“There’s a lot of teamwork involved and a lot of discipline to be able to handle this,” said Hand. “I think this will help with decisions you have to make in the moment and not tripping up over your emotions. You have to have a quick reaction.”
Hernandez came away with a better understanding of how to evaluate a situation to determine who she may treat first, and how to respond if you’re caught without your equipment.
“I enjoyed learning how to help others when it comes to any nature stuff, knowing what to use, and if you’re without the right equipment, you may use a piece of clothing or a belt,” she said.
Nicolas Coburn, a junior Security and Law student from Webutuck High School, said the exercises helped him as he hopes to pursue a career as a police officer.
“It was a good learning experience. It was hands-on,” he said. “It prepares you for situations where you might have people dying in front of you, bleeding, losing a limb, and being in situations where rioting occurs and how to separate a riot.”
