First Aid Squad Visits High School

Fascinated with how the brain works and eager to help others, student Yvenson Monperousse dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. But, at just 16 years old, Monperousse knows it's never too early to start working towards your dream.

Monperousse, along with a dozen other high school students gathered at the West Orange High School Media Center Friday morning to learn about the First Aid Squad and their student volunteer program.

"You will develop interpersonal skills like no other," said Jim Troisi, president and life member of the First Aid Squad. "You are walking into a situation where people think they are about to die and you have to calm them down."

Troisi said the is accepting applications from students who wish to join the U-Squad (volunteers under 18 years old). As a U-Squader, students train to become emergency medical technicians (EMTs) under the close supervision of experienced squad members. Student volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

"We're doing everything the fire and police department do but we're not getting paid," said Troisi. He said student volunteers work a four-hour shift one night a week with their assigned squad and rotate the weekend shifts. Students work every fifth weekend day for roughly eight hours.

"Its opened so many doors for me," Troisi said. "For some of us, it's something that just gets under your skin." He said many squad members have gone on to successful careers including astronauts , who were members of the squad when they resided in West Orange.

He also highlighted the in New York City and said the squad boasts a certified medical bicycle team — one of the first in New Jersey.

"This is a ticket to college, it's resume building," he said.

The hour-and-a-half presentation was organized by board of education president Laura Lab and Victor Paglio, coordinator of community/school based programs.

"It's really a great opportunity to give kids a taste of the profession," Lab said. "What I saw here was we weren't really offering anything for nurses and doctors … it's a wonderful opportunity to get your feet wet."

Troisi said the squad would work closely with the high school to recruit new members and provide presentations to students on a quarterly basis.

To apply students must pick up an application form at the . Once a student submits an application, the student will be interview by the squad and if selected must attend 240 hours of a . Troisi said the course takes about six months to complete but is free of charge and fully funded by the state. The next course will begin in January 2012.

"You learn basically stuff that you are supposed to learn years from now," Monperousse said, adding that he was inspired by the presentation to apply for the squad. "I'm taking my first step into my dream."