Explorer Post

  Explorers   Westport Emergency Medical Service Explorer Post 601 was founded in 1994 to give young adults the opportunity to learn, first hand, about the emergency medical services. This goal is accomplished through educational classes, hands-on activities, and social events. Additional goals of the Explorer Post program include promoting self-reliance as well as personal responsibility and accomplishment. In achieving this, emphasis is placed upon education and clinical training, character development, civic citizenship, and mental and physical fitness.

The Westport Emergency Medical Service Explorer Post works within the framework of Westport EMS, allowing Explorer Post members to work alongside regular EMT’s during training and patient treatment. It is intended that the Explorer Post members get a complete view of the workings of the emergency medical service. Explorer Post members will be working under the close supervision of WEMS Crew Chiefs and Explorer Post advisors. Advisors, who are all members of WEMS, oversee the operation of the post and provide leadership for its members. 		 
  Explorer's can expect to participate in many different activities:
  • Medical Response Technician (MRT) Training
  • Attending regular Explorer Post meetings and educational classes
  • Social Events
  • Working on ambulances for regular shifts and special events
  • (upon successful completion of MRT training and certification by
  • the State of Connecticut Dept. of Health)
  Explorer Orientation  

 

Number of Explorers by year:

1986

1

 

1991

2

 

1994

2

 

1995

3

 

1996

3

 

2000

14

 

2001

11

 

2002

17

 

2003

18

 

2004

15

 

2005

6

 

2006

19

 

2007

30

 

Total

141

 

 

  
   

Membership Requirements:

  1. Young adults, male or female, ages 14-17 and enrolled in high school
  2. Submission of appropriate applications and other required information
  3. Submission of parental permission form
  4. Payment of fee of $80, which covers registration, insurance, books and other costs associated with the WEMS Explorer Post
  5. Attendance in, and completion of, Medical Response Technician (MRT) training course to be given by WEMS
  6. Maintaining a minimum C average in high school
  7. Purchase of uniform (as outlined in Policy and Procedure Manual). Uniform is required for members to participate in Westport EMS ambulance shifts, special event standby’s, and certain other Explorer Post activities.
  
 

 

Explorer Post 601 has created a family for high school students who are interested in EMS or in becoming involved in themedical field. Through extensive training and responding to emergency medical calls, Explorer Post 601 has created the best trained and most knowledgeable high school MRT’s and EMT’s in the region. Our Post, with one of the largest memberships in the region, has gained a positive reputation by proudly serving the local community as well as participating in regional and statewide EMS events such as the annual conference held in Cromwell. Explorer Post members, once they have completed MRT and/or EMT training and certification, work side by side with the adult volunteers and staff of Westport EMS to provide emergency medical coverage to the town of Westport and to surrounding towns through mutual aid agreements, in addition to providing medical coverage standby’s for special events. Post members who have completed training and are certified as Instructors provide further community service by teaching CPR classes that are open to the general public.

The members of Explorer Post 601 are dedicated to the work they do with Westport Volunteer EMS and are true professionals committed to service of the community. I am proud to be a member and serve by their side. If you are a high school student between the ages of 14-18 and want more information on the Post or on how to become part of our team, please click here to send an inquiry email, or call 341-6081. 		Explorer Post