BOXFORD – Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedics are short-staffed nationwide. According to the American Ambulance Association, the turnover rate for EMTs, which includes both resignations and firings, was 36 percent in 2022.
Federal studies have indicated 40,000 additional full-time emergency medical personnel will need to enter the field by 2030 to meet a growing demand.
Masconomet Regional High School’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program — now in its 25th year — has built an opportunity for students to explore the medical field at an early age.
Once Masconomet completes the state Department of Public Health’s requirements, it will be one of two high schools in the state accredited by the DPH to train and certify EMTs.
In the First Responder course, students receive an experiential education including certifications and hands-on work with medical equipment. Students can take this course beginning their freshman year.
In the course, students learn medical terminology, techniques for assessing sick and injured people and teamwork techniques on emergency scenes, as well as topics like airway management, EMS operations, childbirth, and more.
By the end of the one-semester course, students should be able to demonstrate skills of CPR, spine immobilization, splinting, taking vitals and patient assessment.
Students can also take the honors EMT course, which provides additional medical education that prepares students for EMT licensing exams, including internship opportunities with local ambulance services and fire departments.
Through the First Responder course, students are certified in CPR and STOP THE BLEED. Students in the EMT course are additionally certified as mandated reporters and acquire three certifications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The EMS program has helped students get their EMT license, helping hundreds to successfully enter the healthcare field as EMTs, paramedics, nurses and physicians.
Many Masconomet graduates have entered public safety careers in the Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield police and fire departments, using this training on the job.
Even those uninterested in the healthcare field apply their training to careers as babysitters, lifeguards, ski patrollers and more.
Courses in the program are currently taught by Nicholas Parianos, who initially applied to work at MRHS as a health teacher. Administration later approached Parianos and asked if he had any interest in getting his EMT license, working part-time on an ambulance, and taking over the EMS program.
Parianos also works part-time for Beauport Ambulance Service, which provides emergency services for a number of North Shore and Cape Ann communities.
Parianos hopes that he can continue to procure equipment for his students. The program has been fortunate enough to receive several financial and equipment donations from local agencies, and Parianos says the program is always open to receiving donations.
Most recently, on Sept. 24, the Salem Fire Department made a generous donation to the program. Visitors spoke to students about the overlap between EMS and fire services and the value of EMS training.
The program has also benefitted from grant funding. Recently, the program received a $2,000 grant from the Masconomet Education Foundation to purchase equipment.
“This is one of the best things for our program because the kids thrive when lessons are hands-on. I think this is what makes our program stand out from many others, the amount of equipment we have,” said Parianos. “This is why our students can really get such a high-quality education, it is not just about reading the book and having a lecture but talking about it and then physically practicing.”
Most notably during Parianos’ career, he saw his commitment as a teacher come to fruition when a former student worked alongside him in an ambulance.
“He took the course while I was co-teaching. The student was able to get his national and state license, complete his internship, and gain employment with the company,” said Parianos. “He ended up being my partner on the ambulance where we responded to real-life emergencies. I love that memory and think it may be the coolest thing I’ve ever gotten to do as a teacher.”
Parianos recognizes the value community partnerships have on the education he provides to his students, but he also emphasizes how the course can have an impact beyond the classroom.
“This program helps everyone, it helps the students by providing skills and career opportunities, it helps ambulance and fire services by providing employees, and it helps patients by increasing providers on the road and decreasing response times,” said Parianos.
