Port Jefferson EMS is thrilled to announce a successful collaboration with the Comsewogue School District this fall, delivering an engaging Intro to EMS and Forensics program tailored for high school students at Comsewogue High School. This hands-on initiative introduced young learners to the rewarding world of emergency medical services (EMS) and related careers, inspiring the next generation of first responders and healthcare professionals in Suffolk County.
Throughout the program, EMTs and paramedics from Port Jefferson EMS (PJEMS) led weekly training sessions. Students gained practical, real-world skills in essential life-saving techniques, including:
- Airway management
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Narcan (naloxone) administration for opioid overdoses
- Bleeding control and hemorrhage management
- And much more, covering core EMS fundamentals
These interactive lessons highlighted the critical role EMTs and paramedics play every day in protecting and serving our communities in northern Brookhaven Town.
The program culminated in an exciting field trip to MacArthur Airport (Islip), where students explored advanced prehospital care provided by Stony Brook Medicine paramedics aboard the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) medevac helicopter. This unique experience showcased how emergency medical teams operate in the aeromedical environment.
Adding an intriguing forensics component, SCPD Inspector Coffman coordinated live demonstrations from the Crime Scene Unit and K-9 Unit, giving students a broader view of public safety and investigative careers.
Programs like this Intro to EMS and Forensics offer invaluable exposure to career pathways in EMS, healthcare, law enforcement, and beyond. By bridging classroom learning with real-world applications, it empowers students to explore professions that make a direct, positive impact on their communities.
We extend special thanks to:
- Lt. Rachel Cantone and Acting Chief Michael Presta from Port Jefferson EMS for their willingness and dedication
- Mr. Steven Nielsen from Comsewogue High School for championing this educational partnership
- Supervisor Jason Hoffman from Stony Brook Medicine for facilitating the airport experience
- Inspector Robert Coffman from the Suffolk County Police Department
Port Jefferson EMS looks forward to continuing and expanding this meaningful collaboration with the Comsewogue School District in the coming years, fostering even more opportunities for student growth and community engagement.
