A new program is opening the door for teens to step into the world of emergency medical care and see what it takes to respond when every second matters.
REMSA Health, working with Northern Nevada Public Health, is launching the EMS Explorer Program, an educational opportunity designed for students ages 15 to 18 to gain hands-on experience in emergency medical services.
The program is offered in affiliation with Scouting America’s Exploring Division and is the only program of its kind in Northern Nevada. It introduces students to real-world emergency response while helping them build skills that could lead to careers in EMS, health care, and public safety.
Participants will learn from REMSA Health educator clinicians and take part in training that covers ambulance and dispatch operations, patient assessment and vital signs, CPR and bleeding control, respiratory care, and airway procedures.
“Program participants are building confidence while learning life-saving emergency medical skills that they can use in future careers,” said Jennifer Walters, director for REMSA Health’s Center for Integrated Health and Community Education. “Our team at REMSA Health has designed this program to inspire participants to pursue a rewarding EMS career where they can find purpose in serving their community, care for others, and take pride in their expertise.”
Students in the program can also work toward certifications, including CPR, helping them get an early start on requirements for EMT and paramedic career paths.
The first group of students is expected to complete the program in December.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of EMTs and paramedics in the United States is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all jobs.
REMSA Health, a private nonprofit organization that does not receive tax dollars, serves the Washoe County region. Officials say programs like this are important as demand continues to grow for trained EMS professionals.
Applications for the EMS Explorer Program are open now through Wednesday, April 22.
