Medics inject youth with career ideas
By Staff Sgt. Aimee Fujikawa, 29th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment —
Baltimore City teens spent a hot summer day getting acquainted with military emergency medical training during Maryland’s Youth Works Summer Internship Program at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Middle River, Md., July 29, 2015. The interns visited with soldiers from the 104th Area Support Medical Company during Operation Raven Care, a two-week training event, from July 25 to Aug. 7, simulating emergency scenarios.
They toured the 104th ASMC Tactical Operations Center, which included medical treatment areas, on-site laboratory, ambulance squads, and a UH-60 Black Hawk.
“We try to impress upon them how much career opportunity comes from being a member of the Maryland National Guard,” said Michael Deckard Jr., Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems ombudsman. “In addition to the added benefits of becoming a Guardsman, they also get to serve the state of Maryland.”
A male intern said the visit opened his mind to see what he really wants to do. The soldiers explained how they got to their medical careers with the Guard and showed them what they really do.
“Being able to work with MIEMSS gives the interns an opportunity to see what the military is like,” said Maj. Barbara Meadows, Maryland Medical Detachment deputy commander for administration. “It’s a huge opportunity for them to get out, earn an income and get to see what opportunities are available out there.”
The program also mentors the interns on trying new things and life skills such as being on time, learning respect, and active listening.
During their internship with MIEMSS, interns traveled to various Baltimore City firehouses and police stations. They learn about everything from fire rescue and extracting patients from vehicles to 911 calls.
The interns discovered that many firemen and policemen they met had a military background.
“It was an awesome opportunity to give these kids a five-week in-depth look into emergency services,” Deckard said. “Hopefully we can recruit them into the volunteer realm, where there is always a shortage in the state.”
High school age students interested in various career fields submitted applications for the summer internship. Upon selection, they were able to participate in the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development five-week summer program young adults between the ages of 14 – 21.
During the program, interns have the chance to explore various trades for both volunteer and career paths. They gain work experiences with private sector, nonprofit, and city and state government employers. This is the first year for the Maryland National Guard and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems to participate in the program.