EMTs and Paramedics Can Help Keep High School Sports Alive

Imagine the town you grew up in—but without high school sports. Football stadiums with weeds at the 50-yard line, boarded concession stands and collapsing bleachers. No banners in shop windows celebrating a conference championship. No pep rallies to get the school fired up for the biggest game of the year. Hundreds of teenagers with lots of time on their hands, but nothing to do after school. This scenario threatens to become a reality sooner than you may think. Currently, a nationwide shortage of licensed high school officials is causing some high schools to postpone, or even cancel, athletic events. And because the number of retiring officials is far greater than the substantially fewer number of new ones, this challenge is becoming more acute every year. To stop the decline, they need people like you. As an EMT or paramedic, you’ve already demonstrated that you’re fast on your feet and able to stay calm in pressure-packed situations. You assess conditions quickly and make instant decisions. You’re physically fit and a good communicator. You’re required to be a good team player every time you get a call. Most importantly, you care about your community. When you become a licensed high school official, you’ll take that same experience and knowledge from the streets into the gym to help the next generation become more disciplined, productive, empathic community leaders. Stated another way, becoming a licensed high school official is a natural extension of the skill...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Administration and Leadership Source Type: news