A new ride-along program — partnering the Crestwood Fire Department (CFD) with students from South Technical High School — was approved by the Crestwood Board of Aldermen on Feb. 24. Through this, students enrolled in South Tech’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification program will get a chance to take part in field observation and mentorship opportunities.
Fire Chief Ryan Harrell, who is new to CFD, says that Crestwood has not offered ride-along programs in the past.
While the program is a helpful opportunity for students to get real-world experience by observing how professional EMTs and firefighters do their duty, it has its own benefits for the Crestwood Fire Department. Harrell says these ride-alongs can also work as a recruitment tactic.
“The fire service is experiencing significant recruitment challenges nationwide,” Harrell said in a memo to the Board of Aldermen. “Students who train locally are more likely to seek employment within their own community. By investing in these students early, we increase the likelihood of retaining high-quality personnel who already understand our expectations, standards and community values.”
Harrell says it allows the fire department to move away from solely competing in “an increasingly limited labor market,” instead giving Crestwood the chance to cultivate future applicants from right here, in the fire department’s backyard.
According to Crestwood’s ride-along policy, these students are expected to participate in shift change activities, equipment checks and station orientation “as appropriate.” The policy also states that students can observe and assist with patient care where appropriate, as long as they are under the direct supervision of an assigned CFD personnel member.
For South Tech students, this experience will be their final practical portion of the class, representing real-world training. The goal is that it will prepare them to take their tests to earn state and national certification as EMTs.
If all goes according to plan, South Tech students will begin their ride-alongs later this spring, according to Harrell. There are several procedural steps in the works, but after the Board of Aldermen’s unanimous approval, the gears are turning.
“This partnership strengthens relationships between municipal government and regional educational institutions while promoting public safety as a respected and attainable career path,” Harrell stated in his memo.
