Uwchlan Ambulance debuts new ‘Trailblazers’ program

With both parents working fulltime jobs, it’s common for teens to fend for themselves when they return home from school. And in some families, they play the role of parents to their younger siblings. If an emergency occurs on such an occasion, would teenagers know how to aid their younger brothers or sisters?

That’s the situation Uwchlan Ambulance Corps has targeted with its new Trailblazers Youth Involvement Program, which kicks off this Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at the station house on West Welsh Pool Road in Lionville.

The year-round program, which convenes for a two-hour session every Saturday, teaches young people between the ages of 11 and 14 basic first aid techniques, hands-only CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and the importance and use of a first aid kit in the home.

“It’s especially important for this generation of youth to act maturely these days,” said Elena White, training coordinator and director of activities for the summer camp at Uwchlan Ambulance Corps. “With mom and dad away from home, it’s possible for younger siblings to find themselves in trouble — like falling down, choking on a piece of candy or toy, or having an allergic reaction.”

The basic medical techniques taught in the program are not only invaluable in dealing with accidents at home; they can also be applied at school or when the youths are out and about. “This is the age group where young people start developing a social life,“White said, “whether it be a school activity or with a youth organization. There is always the possibility for a medical emergency to occur.”

White further pointed out that Uwchlan’s two other youth group programs, the Explorers and the Adventurers, have already proven to be successful in teaching firstaid techniques, promoting positive interaction with peers and building self-confidence. “And,“she added, “if a youth is interested in pursuing a medical career, this is a good way to get started.”