CTE: EMT Class Offered At Sulphur Springs High School
At Sulphur Springs High School 270 students are involved in the health science programs, more than any other offered. To give as many students as possible a leg up when it comes to career training, the school works to offer as many opportunities and courses as possible. Students for a few years have had the opportunity, after successfully completing course work, to test to become a Certified Nurse Assistant or a Certified Medical Assistant.
This year, another course was offered for students interested in the emergency medical services field – an EMT program.
THE BASICS
Beginning this year, students interested in careers in emergency services who have met other requirements could apply for the practicum emergency medical technician programming. At the end of the course, students who are 18 and have satisfactorily completed the practicum will have the option to take the National Registry test to obtain EMT Basics certification.
SSHS is operating through the state to offer the class. Traditional EMT classes at a college or academy typically cost $6,000 for tuition. Books and uniforms add another couple of hundred dollars to the cost at those facilities. That’s not the case for SSHS students, instructor Brynn Smith noted.
“These kids take it for free. That’s a huge asset that we are able to do. These students could potentially walk the stage at graduation as an EMT,” Smith said. “Their only cost is uniform and the cost of the book, if they elect to buy it.”
The school provides a classroom set of text books for the EMTS students to use. However, students can opt to purchase the book to have at home so they can highlight and make notes in their own copy.
There is also a fee to take the National Registry EMT certification test.
Each EMT student has taken principles of health science, health science technology and as well as a practicum in health science and anatomy and physiology as their fourth science credit, according to SSHS College and Career Readiness/CTE Director Jenny Arledge.
Students in first practicum class shadow professionals at various medical facilities across town. At the end of the year, they then are asked to consider what particular area of medicine they want to specialize in.
This year, students like senior Reagan Kesting, who plans to one day become a trauma surgeon, and Kamryn Millard, who plans to become a registered nurse, have the option of taking the MA or EMT course. Currently, 25 are enrolled in the MA class and 10 in the EMT class. Kesting is enrolled in and could potentially earn both by the time he graduates from SSHS, according to Smith.
SSHS goes through ABC Resources, an established program with more than 20 years of success, including with Rockwall and Northwest High Schools, according to Smith, a licensed paramedic with 17 years experience.
The EMT class is a full year course available to seniors only, as students must be 18 years old to become an EMT.
Starting in December, students begin “clincials,” that is working alongside medical professionals in an emergency room and on an ambulance to practice the skills they’ve learned.
CLASS WORK
“The National Registry says we have to have so many hours of clinicals to even be able to sit on the test. So, that test is comprised of everything we’ve learned throughout the whole course, all the book work, all the things that we have seen on the clinicals,” said Kesting.
To get ready for clinical rotations the SSHS EMT students spend the first semester learning from the book information and skills that are required of an EMT. Students practice the skills they’ve learned after each chapter, gaining hands-on training in the lab in readiness for the time they will work with medical professionals in the community.
“I’ve worked in this for a long time, in it for 17 years. I’ve seen, sometimes, when students are sent out they are lacking certain skills that are essential on a truck. Loading patients up on stretcher, making a stretcher bed after a call, cleaning the equipment. So, I like to teach these students that before they go out on their clinicals so they are useful from day one,” Smith said.
“Once we do hands-on,” Millard said, “It makes it a bit easier to remember, that way when we go out for clinicals we’re pretty much set,” said Millard.
“These kids are neat to watch. You bring a new tool out in front of them and they are eager to put it on each other and try it out. It’s pretty neat,” Smith said.
While blood work is included in the MA program, it is not in the scope of practice for the EMT students. They will, however, bet able to give some medications, some medical interventions, a lot of patient assessment as well as the ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) essential, according to Smith.
“The students are responsible for taking care of newborn premature babies all the way up to someone who’s over 100 years old. They have to know how to take car of them medically, and if they have sustained a trauma. It definitely gives them an edge up on patient care, because they have to know all of that. It’s a hard class, probably the hardest one they’ll ever have to take because it’s not about what they know in the book. It’s about what they apply to a real life,” Smith said.
While lessons and skills practice occurs in class, the class requires a lot of dedication on the part of the students.
“It definitely does require a lot of your personal time at home, a lot of studying, and just taking the time to make sure you have your skills down,” Millard said. “You have your most major skills, you need to make sure you study and have those down.”
While the class if very time consuming, students say it’s worth the effort. And, while studying for tests is important, what’s more important are the skills and experience attained.
“We have a saying in class, we never study to pass a test. We always study for the day we’re the only thing between a patient and the grave,” Kesting explained. “That sounds a little morbid, but in real life it’s us and the patient. It’s just us and a partner in the middle of potentially nowhere with supplies only in a truck. It’s very vigorous.”
And, the clinicals that allow them to utilize those skills in the field don’t occur during regular school hours either.
“They do it when school’s not in session. Breaks or an upcoming Monday off. Anytime that school’s not in session.” Smith said. “They’ll usually do up to 14 hour shifts. They are literally putting all of this knowledge to use by saving lives. It’s a neat possibility.”
So far, only five students have done clinical rotations, but spring break is coming up and students are taking advantage of school holidays such as President’s Day to work in the ER or with EMS. They’re taking it seriously and making an impact, according to Smith.
“People that they’ve ridden out with have said these students are very mature and they can see them becoming part of the EMS family in the future. It’s neat to see that. These tenured EMS employees are seeing that these students have potential even at their young age because of their maturity level,” Smith said.
FUTURE PLANNING
Kesting said he feels very fortunate to be able to take the EMT class this year. He sees it as a “great stepping stone” to the future. Attaining the EMT certification, he can apply to work on an ambulance anywhere in the country. That will allow him to earn money while he attends college and medical school.
The students recommend the class to any SSHS students who are considering a medical career.
“I think it’s a very eye opening experience. I think you learn a lot, and you won’t regret it at all,” Millard said.
Kesting agreed, noting the exposure the class and program provide to many different medical careers while out in the community alongside Emergency Medical Services personnel as part of clinical as well as during the junior level shadowing practicum.
Millard says although she’s most interested in working as a nursery or OB nurse, she’ll gain valuable experience in the EMT class. EMTS interact with child patients and may even have expectant mothers in the back of their ambulances as patients.
“When I do go to college and I do work on the back of an ambulance, I will definitely get exposure to that. So, I don’t think it will be as hard when I actually go to work, because I already have that exposure and I already know what to do,” Millard said.
“EMTs nowadays can work in ERs, doctors’ offices, ambulance. There’s lot more to offer now than 17 years ago. I think a lot of employers are seeing the potential, how valuable they can be because they know pediatrics up to geriatrics. I think they are starting to see the asset that they are,” Smith said.
CTE PROGRAM EXPANSION
Starting next year, SSHS students on the emergency services track will also have the option of taking a firefighting course their junior year of high school then as a senior take the EMT course, according to Smith.
“These two programs work together to give students the opportunity to be EMT certified and for those in the Fire Fighter Program to be Fire certified,” Arledge noted.
As long as they are successful in the EMT course, they can become firefighters upon graduation. Students will be required to pass the Fire Commission test to earn firefighter certification and the National Registry test to for EMT certification.
“That saves them probably $9,000 by doing that in high school. Then, they can automatically go out and seek a good career. If this is not something that they build upon, it’s something they can work on forever. Some of the best doctors I know even CRNAs, even ones at our hospital, started out as an EMTs,” Smith said. “I think it just makes you a better medical provider for whatever route you decide to go on.”
KSST Radio is helping SSHS celebrate Career and Technical Education Month by featuring interviews with students highlighting a few of the CTE programs offered at school. Check out KSSTRadio.com and our YouTube Channel for more CTE features.
Sulphur Springs Man Jailed For DWI Following I-30 Crash
A 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of crashing a pickup while driving drunk on Interstate 30 east of Sulphur Springs late Saturday night.
A white truck reportedly crashed in the center median ditch on I-30 west near mile marker 131. Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and county firefighters were dispatched at 11:56 p.m. Feb. 22.
The driver of the Dodge pickup allegedly exhibited indicators of intoxication during a roadside interview and admitted to drinking three tall Coronas. The man showed signs of intoxication during standard field sobriety tests and was arrested for DWI, troopers alleged in arrest reports.
At the jail he tested 0.179 and 0.186 on breath tests, which is twice the legal limit, troopers alleged in arrest reports. A check of the man’s criminal history reportedly showed a January 2019 conviction for July 2018 DWI charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Consequently, the man was booked on a Class A misdemeanor second offense DWI charge. He also did not have a valid driver’s license, resulting in a second misdemeanor charge, according to arrest reports.
He was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Feb. 24, on a $2,000 bond on the second offense DWI charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Traffic Stop Results In Location Of A Bag Of Ecstasy, Teen’s Arrest
A Como teen allegedly claimed a bag of Ecstasy pills found in his vehicle during a traffic stop early Sunday morning and was arrested, according to sheriff’s reports.
Deputies reported stopping a Chevrolet Tahoe around 1:44 p.m. Feb. 23 on FM 71 at county Road 4768 for a traffic violation. The vehicle was allegedly occupied by 17-year-old Bryer Ray Parnell and four juveniles.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Fisher, in arrest reports, claimed he smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle on contact with the youth.
A probable cause search allegedly revealed a small bag containing pills that field-tested positive for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) or Ecstasy. Parnell allegedly admitted the pills were his and was arrested, Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
The vehicle was impounded. Parnell was taken to jail. Deputies transported the four juveniles to residences and the sheriff’s office lobby to await a ride home.
Parnell remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Feb. 24. Bond was set at $10,000 on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
SSPD: 2 Sulphur Springs Residents Jailed For Burglary
Police arrested two Sulphur Springs residents Sunday afternoon for alleged involvement in a home burglary, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Adrian Pruitt and Cameron Robinson reported responding after 4:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the 400 block of Hinnant Street in reference to a burglary. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the alleged victim and several other people, including the two males, according to arrest reports.
The person whose property was involved in the theft alleged Nicholas Chase Ochoa stole from him. Ochoa was placed into custody. He allegedly admitted to the burglary. The 17-year-old Sulphur Springs resident was arrested for burglary of a habitation, Robinson alleged in arrest reports.
Cameron Joel Wilks also allegedly admitted to officers that he took part in a burglary and had pawned several items. Consequently, the 27-year-old sulphur Springs man was also arrested for burglary of a habitation, Pruitt alleged in arrest reports.
Less than $2,000 worth of tools and law equipment were reported to be among the items stolen from the Hinnant Street address between Friday morning and Sunday afternoon, according to police reports.
Ochoa and Wilks remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Feb. 24. Bond was set at $30,000 on the felony burglary of a habitation charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Calling All Ladies Over 60! Ms. Hopkins County Senior Pageant and Tea is June 5,6
Karon Weatherman’s dream of a Pageant for the Senior ladies of Hopkins County came true when the first one was held in 2010. Since then, the Pageant has marked a time to celebrate the contribution, vibrancy and inner beauty of the senior woman, and to celebrate the changing image of aging. If you know a gracious and talented senior lady who is lovely inside and out, please encourage her to enter the Pageant! It is free to enter, and will bring a lot of fun and cherished memories. A Tea Party will be held for the contestants on Rehearsal Day Friday June 5, 2020 at 1 pm in the Civic Center banquet hall. The Pageant will be staged Saturday June 6, 2020 starting at 6pm with entertainment and live music. Admission is free for the public to attend. You will meet the contestants, enjoy talent and evening gown presentations, and hear each present her Philosophy of Life. You will also be introduced to the former Pageant winners, meet current Ms. Hopkins County Senior Vender Wright, and find out who will wear the crown in 2020. To get more details about the Pageant, contact Karon Weatherman at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center at 150 MLK Drive in Sulphur Springs, or phone 903-885-1661, or email Karon at [email protected].
Feb. 24 Commissioners Court Agenda Includes Annual Audit, Solar Maintenance Contract
In addition to routine matters, Hopkins County Commissioners Court will be asked Monday to consider three items related to solar panels and energy, a platting request, the annual audit, and appointing a representative to community board.
The outside audit performed by Rutledge, Crain & Company, PC, is to be presented for approval of the Commissioners Court during the 9 a.m. meeting.
A request has been made so that Lots 1 and 2 at High Point Estates may be re-platted as Phase Two of the project.
The court too is slated to consider a combined solar maintenance contract for the jail and Civic Center, solar construction for Heritage Park and Hopkins County Law Enforcement Courtrooms and a resolution from Pine Forest Solar LLC to be allowed to use designated county roads for the solar farm.
The Pine Forest Solar project as proposed will cover 2,155 acres, and is dependent on the tax incentives from the county, school and hospital districts. The Commissioners Court on Dec. 23 approved a 318 agreements granting tax incentives for the solar project planned in Pine Forest. It is projected to bring in more than $9,248,800 in revenue into Hopkins County over the 10 years of the tax incentives.
The annual payments the county is projected to receive for the project are $342,000. The first year with a road maintenance fee, the county would receive just over $514,300. Over the 10 years of the agreement the county would receive over $3.6 million.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker, at the Dec. 23 meeting, asked that it be added to the motion to approve the agreement, that the funds coming in to the county that first year for road repairs be used for road repairs in the precincts in which the farms are located.
Monday’s regular Commissioners Court meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom on the first floor of The Hopkins County Courthouse, located at
118 Church St. in Sulphur Springs.
After the regular meeting the court is slated to adjourn to the third floor to begin a work session.
Meal A Day Menu Feb. 24-28, 2020
Monday — Chicken Pot Pie, Butter Beans and Pickled Beets
Tuesday — BBQ Rope Sausage, Macaroni and Cheese, Malibu Vegetables and a Roll
Wednesday — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans and a Roll
Thursday — Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Broccoli, Candied Baby Carrots and a Roll
Friday — Chili Cheese Dogs, Cole Slaw and Chips
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors Feb. 25, 2020 Meeting Agenda
Hopkins County Hospital District
Regular Meeting of Board of Directors
Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Hopkins County Hospital District will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6:00 pm in the Plaza Conference Room of the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at 113 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Invocation
- Public Forum
- Review and Approve Audit for the 09-30-19 Financial Statements
- Review and Approve Chapter 381 Economic Development Tax Abatements
a. Hopkins Energy LLC Solar Farm
b. Pine Forest Solar I, LLC Solar Farm (1,658.954 Acres) - Review and Approve Selection for the Demolition of the Three Houses
on Airport Road - Review and Approve Selection of Architectual Firm for the EMS Headquarters Project
- Review and Approve Notice that the May 2, 2020 Election is Unopposed 4 and Election is Cancelled
- Review and Approve Financial Statements for November and December 2019
a. Financial Statements for November and December 2019 5
b. EMS Update and Review - Consent Agenda
a. Nursing Home Reports
b. Review and Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting for December 17, 2019 - Update for CHHA by Paul Harvey, President/CEO
- Executive Session
- a. Review Executive Session Board Minutes for Regular Meeting December 17, 2019
- b. Review, Discuss and Approve Real Estate 10
- Return to Regular Session
- a. Approve Executive Session Board Minutes for Regular Meeting December 17, 2019
- b. Approve Decision for Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement
- Adjourn
The Board may, during the course of the meeting covered by this Notice, determine that a closed or executive session of the Board should be held or is required in relation to any agenda item included in this Notice. In that event, such closed or executive meeting or session, as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, will be held by the Board at the date, hour, and place given in this Notice concerning any and all subjects for any and all purposes permitted by Section 551.071 -551.087 of the Texas Government Code and the Texas Open Meetings Act, including but not limited to, Section 551.071 for the purpose of a private consultation with the Board’s attorney on any or all subjects or matters authorized by law. An announcement will be made at the meeting regarding the basis for the executive session discussion.
Lady Cats Softball Team Drops Two Games Saturday At Grand Saline In Sulphur Springs Tournament
The Lady Cats Softball Team continued their early season struggles with two losses Saturday, February 22, in Sulphur Springs Tournament games moved to artificial turf at Grand Saline.
The Lady Cats lost a morning contest to Duncanville, 5-1. The Lady Cats had one hit and committed an error while the Lady Panthers had 8 hits. Duncanville scored 2 runs in the top of the first and the Lady Cats got one of them back in the bottom of the first. The Lady Panthers scored two more runs in the top of the second and one more in the top of the fourth.
Jadyn Harper got the Lady Cats hit, had a stolen base and scored the Lady Cats run. Colbria Harrison had a sacrifice. Freshman Denver Wyatt got the pitching loss going 2 innings giving up 5 hits and 4 runs while striking out 3 and walking 2. Addison Caddell went the final two innings allowing a run and 3 hits while striking out 2.
The Lady Cats dropped an afternoon game to Gilmer, 7-1. The Lady Cats had two hits and had an error. Gilmer had seven hits.
In this one, the Lady Cats jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a run in the top of the first. The Lady Buckeyes tied the game with a run in the bottom of the first. Gilmer went up 3-1 with two runs in the bottom of the third. The Lady Buckeyes scored four more runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Harrison was 1 for 2 for the Lady Cats, hitting a double and scoring their lone run. Harper had another hit for the Lady Cats. Kate Womack and Alli Fite worked walks for the Lady Cats. Caddell took the loss for the Lady Cats pitching 4 innings allowing 7 hits and 4 earned runs while striking out 5 and walking two.
The young Lady Cats ended the regular season opening Sulphur Springs Tournament with a 1-4 record. The Lady Cats resume the season at Mineola Tuesday evening.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
