Every day, several Geneva High School students climb aboard a small white bus, excited and anxious to see just what their day holds. These students are on their way to Fox Valley Career Center, located on the campus of Kaneland High School, where they will learn what it takes to make it as a firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), or both.

Fox Valley Career Center (FVCC) offers Fire Science I, Fire Science II, and EMT programs to students who are juniors and seniors in high school and live in the Fox Valley Area. Fire Science students learn the basics of firefighting which includes search and rescue, pump operations, how to drive the fire apparatus, ropes and knots, and much more. EMT students learn all about pre-hospital care are prepared to take the state EMT exam, which would grant them their EMT license. The Fire Science program is a two-year program, offered to juniors and seniors, but it is not necessary to take both years. EMT is only offered to seniors.

Upon completion of one or both programs, students are prepared to be hired by a fire department or be educated further in the medical field.

EMT: An Invaluable Knowledge Base

The EMT program is taught by Mrs. Janelle McCornack, who has taught at FVCC since 2008. It is clear she is incredibly passionate about teaching her class, because when asked what her favorite part was, she responded without hesitation, “My students. I love them.”

Many students at GHS are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field after high school. McCornack helped explain how taking the EMT program gives students a great first step.

“As an individual it gives them an opportunity to get a state license, or even a national license. And on top of that they can go and work on a private ambulance, in a hospital, or anywhere in the healthcare field. They can get experience to then go on to anywhere in the medical field, anywhere in the fire service, and they have that base knowledge built up.”

Every day at EMT is a combination of both bookwork and hands-on training. Students follow a set curriculum, and there is a strong emphasis on hands-on experience.

There are other similar EMT programs in the area, but Mrs. McCornack was eager to explain just why FVCC is the best choice for students who are interested in this field.

“We’re one of the few programs that allows students to take an entire year versus sixteen weeks to learn the material. On top of it, we have amazing equipment, and we do a lot more hands-on. Waubonsee Community College is very limited in what they can do hands-on because of the time restraints..whereas here at the high school setting, the students…run a scenario from here on out because of the time allowing us to do that. We also are allowed to bring in people within the community. We’re able to bring in private ambulances, we’re able to bring in municipalities like Elburn…Big Rock comes in, two private ambulances will come in and show off their vehicles, a helicopter comes in every two years. So we have those resources available to come to us, and we meet every day. So they’re taking something that’s a 16-week college class and expanding it over a full year and they’re learning it at a high school setting versus being forced to learn it in a very short period of time.”

Vince Demeo, a senior at Geneva High School, is a student in the EMT program. Vince explains why he loves being a part of the EMT program, and why he believes other students would love it as well.

“In health class when they had the EMT come in and talk for drug week, just hearing about it, it sounded really cool, getting to hear about all the calls they went on and all the stuff that they and got to do for people when they’re in an emergency. I just thought that’d be really cool… I would definitely recommend it. It’s a lot of fun. You learn a lot, and while it’s ‘hard’, if you just put in time it’s not that hard. It’s about us. It’s pretty basic to learn if you just put in time.”

Mrs. McCornack agrees with Vince that the class can be both physically and mentally demanding, but she encourages her students to look at the big picture.

“There’s certain set guidelines and I hold my students to a very high standard and expectation because I’m going to train every student to be responsible enough, and if I had to call 911, I want to make sure that if they come to take care of me I’m okay with that. So I expect all of my students to be able to take care of their own loved ones, efficiently and effectively… I know these are great individuals; amazing, smart, intelligent, they’ve worked hard, they have earned that license and they really know what they’re doing. Not just the books, but the skills side of it as well… So I do hold them to a very high standard, it’s a lot of work, it is a college class, it’s a 9-college credit hour class — they’ll get 9 hours from Waubonsee for it. But it’s a very rewarding class.”

The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is filled with many people from all different personalities and backgrounds.Wondering if you have what it takes to make it in this class? Mrs. McCornack shares just what it takes to be successful:

“It takes determination. It’s not easy to get a job in EMS, but if you want it you can go out there and get it. Being willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. A lot of people want to work in the fire service, and this is a great start to get into working in the fire service. Do an Explorer post…anything that gets you in and helping others. The other thing is, I have had many students in the past go on to nursing school, on to med school and find where you want to go to school at and see what options they have available there.”

Once you’re in the class, just what can you expect? The classes are filled with students from high school throughout the area, so don’t expect to see a lot of people you recognize. Don’t let this make you shy away, EMT students believe that working with students from surrounding high schools enhances the quality of their learning experience. So once you walk into EMT class, say goodbye to the deep-rooted school rivalries, because in this class, students recognize the need to work together as one.

Batavia High School senior Patrick Hanrahan shares his thoughts on working with students from high schools other than his own:

“I like it because you get to know different kids, different people and working with kids that only go to your school usually only see one view-type. But kids that live in different areas grow up in different ways, so you get to work with different personalities and cultures.” Patrick says.

Are you thinking about working in the healthcare field but still can’t decide if this class is for you? The old saying rings true: you never know unless you try. This class has the potential to pave the way towards many other careers, and is a great first step into the healthcare field or fire service.

Mrs. McCornack offers a few last words of wisdom to students: “Whether this is something you want to do for the rest of your life or not, it is beneficial. Everybody has emergencies throughout their life… You’re going to use these skills throughout your entire life and it is a knowledge base that nobody can take away from you.”

Do you think this class sounds like something you would enjoy? Speak with your counselor or contact Mrs. McCornack at [email protected] today!

Fire Science: Duty, Pride, and Tradition

Similar to FVCC’s EMT program, Fire Science meets every day on the campus of Kaneland High School. Students, both juniors and seniors, disembark from the bus and head inside. There, they change into their uniforms and assemble their gear.

Students stand at attention as Chief Baum, the Fire Science teacher, enters the classroom. The day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

Chief Baum gives instructions regarding the drill the students will be participating in that day. The drill will mimic the firefighter’s actions while fighting a blaze known as the Worchester Cold Storage Fire (For more information regarding this incident, read here: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr-134.pdf).

Students are assigned jobs and positions and Chief makes sure that everyone understands the chain of command. Then, students head into the gear room and get ready for action.

Once their gear is on, they head out into the different apparatus (or fire trucks), and make their way to the training site where all the drills and hands-on training takes place. The site has plenty of room for a variety of drills such as hose tactics, vehicular extrication, a building for search drills, and other materials used by the students.

Many students may not realize just how fortunate FVCC truly is. As Chief Baum says, “I think our hands-on abilities are ridiculous. We have our own training facility, we have been very fortunate in the donations that we have, and we have 3 engines, a ladder truck, a squad, and a lot of gear – I mean we have a lot! We have more stuff actually than I think a lot of fire departments do.”

Needless to say, FVCC is a fantastic place to learn about the fire service, but it’s not just because of the equipment.

Chief Baum states: “The class sets them up to be productive members of a fire department. Once they’re done they have their hands-on knowledge and they have the cognitive information that they need. And I think the bigger piece to it is that they… get a gist for the culture of the fire service.”

Chief Baum is undoubtedly very proud of his class and the students (and firefighters) he has taught. But he knows that it’s the student’s first-hand experience that means the most when encouraging future students to enroll in the program. Like Chief says, “I think the best part of it is asking the kids. They’re the ones that are engaged.”

And the students themselves have nothing but great things to say about the program.

Geneva High School senior Gabby Cornelson says that being a part of this class is the realization of a life-long dream. “Since I was little I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. It’s always been my dream.” She continues, “honestly this class is the best thing in my life. I’m not too hot at school, and I’m very unfocused most of the time. So, fire science is awesome because you’re always doing something cool.”

Geneva junior Brandon Birkelbach agrees with Gabby, saying “I think it’s a great opportunity. A lot of kids just can’t sit still in class, but for periods 4th-9th for us we get to go and just have fun. instead of just sitting in a desk we get to do hands on work.”

While the class is lots of fun, Chief Baum tells his students (and future students) that it’s not all fun and games. The fire service is unique in the way that respect and effort are expected of those involved, and anything less than your best is unacceptable.

Like Chief says, “Understand that it’s very strenuous. As far as the class expect nothing you’ve ever taken before. The discipline is very rigid – it has to be. It’s probably the hardest phys. ed. class you’ve ever taken. Be prepared to work, but also know that your career in the fire service could be one of the most rewarding careers out there. And it’s not because of money, it’s because of what you do.”

As with any class or career, it’s not for everyone. But for those who are interested, Brandon and Gabby dish on a few of the characteristics they believe make up a great firefighter.

“Strong and very confident, and fearless,” Gabby says. Brandon adds, “Bravery, valor, courage, strong leader. You have to learn to lead by example.”

Don’t let this sound intimidating – the class is structured to teach anyone and everyone what it takes to make it in the fire service. And even if you aren’t looking at firefighting for a career, Brandon shares how the class is beneficial in aspects of life outside of fire science.

“It teaches you great leadership skills, how to get along in a team situation. You’ll be surprised by how much of it just actually relates to everyday life. Problem solving and figuring out stressful situations,” He shares.

As the bus that transports students from FVCC back to Geneva High School nears its’ destination, Brandon shares a few last words of wisdom.

“Just do it. You can always drop the class within the first week if you need to!” He smirks, followed by much laughter from him and Gabby. He adds, “Come out and try it because you never know. Just come out and see what we do. It’s just a great experience you can’t get anywhere else.”

If you are interested in signing up for Fire Science for the 2016-17 school year, it’s not too late!

Contact your counselor today or email Chief Baum at [email protected] for more information.