From mastering bunker gear to learning lifesaving CPR, the seventh annual Aims Fire and EMS Xplore Academy equipped high school students with skills, knowledge, and courage to pursue careers in public safety.
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Future Heroes in Training: High Schoolers Dive into Fire and EMS at Xplore Academy
July 23, 2024
From July 15-19 at the Windsor Campus Public Safety Institute, 34 students participated in hands-on training led by active firefighters and EMTs.
To prepare students for future careers, the academy featured working professional instructors, including Jason Oster, Division Chief of Training at South Adams County Fire, and Devon Laughlin, Fire Engineer from the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority.
The students delved into aspects of the Fire and EMS (emergency medical services) professions throughout the week. On Tuesday, they learned about self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) breathing techniques and navigated a challenging fire maze in the new SimCity training center. They also had the opportunity to tour an aerial ladder truck. Then, they climbed to the top of a 100-foot ladder, followed by an exhilarating rappel off the burn tower.
Wednesday introduced students to the field of EMS. Students learned about life-saving techniques and CPR and took an exam to be CPR-certified in Colorado for two years. The students also learned about the candidate physical ability test (CPAT), which measures strength and endurance. They then participated in a modified version of the CPAT. Med Evac provided students with a tour of a medical helicopter, and UCHealth came to show them around a working ambulance.
Thursday's activities involved hands-on experiences. Students used power tools to cut apart a car during an extrication exercise. They also learned skills like breaking open doors and safely stabilizing a vehicle. The day concluded with training sessions on hose rolling and fire extinguisher use.
On the final day, students showcased their new skills in front of their families. The demonstrations included live fire simulations and vehicle extrication exercises. Following the demos was a graduation ceremony, at which students received a certificate of completion.
These young people are ready to meet the demands of serving and protecting the community. After participating in the Xplore Academy, students can decide whether to pursue a career in EMS or fire science. Aims offers an array of programs when they're ready to take the next step:
- Associate Degree in Fire Science
- Fire Certificates
- Basic Firefighter
- Fire Academy
- Firefighter II
- Driver-Operator
- Vehicle Extrication
- Fire Officer I
- Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services
- EMS Certificates
- EMT - Emergency Medical Responder Certificate
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Paramedic Certificate
Participate Next Year
Don't miss out on the chance to explore the world of public safety. The next Fire/EMS Xplore Academy registration opens on March 1, 2025. The registration fee ($100 in 2024) includes daily lunch and snacks, three t-shirts, and a water bottle. Scholarships are available for eligible students. Learn more about Fire Science and the Xplore Academy at Aims.
