Winchendon Weekly News -- December 8, 2023

From the Desk of Dr. Goguen - Superintendant's Update November 17, 2023

Enroll Your Child in Head Start

Enrollment is now open for the Winchendon Head Start program. The Pre-School program has many openings for local families. For complete information, see one of the flyers linked below:

Head Start (English)

Head Start (Español)

MWCC Leominster Campus Welcomes New Ambulance Simulator

Photo courtesy of Nia Carrigan

Gardner, MA - December 14, 2023 - Mount Wachusett Community College welcomes the new addition of an ambulance simulator to its Leominster Campus. It will be used by students registered in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program. The simulator replicates an authentic ambulance, complete with a removable stretcher and flashing lights.

The ambulance simulator prepares students by giving them "real world experience by getting to know how the inside of an ambulance is set up, where supplies are located and what it feels like to move around in the tight space," says Greg Lambert, MWCC's EMT Instructor.

Lambert is ecstatic about the new addition to the campus. He is an Advanced EMT who has been working in the field since 2003. He began his career serving as an Army combat medic and later became a combat medic instructor for which he received a commendation. In 2005, he received his official instructor coordination license through the state of Massachusetts.

Over the decades, Greg's passion for teaching has only increased. One of his favorite aspects of the job is teaching students with no prior medical experience from all different backgrounds, and seeing how much they grow throughout the course.

"You take somebody that has no medical experience and by the end of the class they can talk to you in medical jargon, you tell them concepts and a light snaps in their eyes with understanding. That's always my favorite part," says Lambert.

Former student Mary Grace Howard completed the course and now works as an EMT for MedStar Ambulance. She says that the program was an excellent base layer that resulted in her feeling prepared for the job. She enjoyed the structure of Lambert's lectures because he is able to merge lecture materials and his own real-world experiences seamlessly.

One of Mary Grace's biggest tips for success is to keep up with the workbook and use online resources as necessary. She also suggests getting to know your classmates and working with a study buddy. Although Mary Grace did not get to experience the ambulance simulator while in the program, she has no doubt that it will be extremely beneficial for incoming and current students.

"Having some experience in a confined space will absolutely help, you don't realize how difficult it can actually be to maneuver around in the back of an ambulance until you're in one," says Mary Grace.

William Howard, another former student and current EMT at MedStar Ambulance, says he started working at MedStar in their emergency medical responder program as a driver. The program gave him the opportunity to get a taste of what it's like to work inside an ambulance before committing to the EMT training. He worked as an ambulance driver while pursuing a certification and his company reimbursed him for the training cost after completing the course.

"I figured I'd give it a try and I ended up liking it. It opens up an opportunity for a career that you know you can follow full time or if you don't want to; you could work part-time and have another job as well," says William.

While enrolled in the EMT course, William stresses the importance of completing the workbooks and attending lectures. He was impressed with the accuracy of the ambulance layout and the functionality of the stretcher. Both will be useful in preparing students for common experiences as an EMT.

Current student Ryan Hendrickson first heard about the EMT program through an acquaintance at the Orange Fire Department. He is most interested in learning about patient care and the proper way to help others. Hendrickson is looking forward to having access to the ambulance simulator while working towards his EMT certification.

"It will help get us ready for when we transition toward working in a vehicle. We're not just talking about it; we are learning to operate inside and hone our skills. It will make us much more confident," says Hendrickson.

There is a plethora of job opportunities available to Emergency Medical Technicians. "Right now, it's an EMT's market. There are so many companies hurting for employees. It is a career that you can do nights, weekends, holidays, and anytime you need extra cash," says Greg Lambert.

If you are interested in learning more about the EMS and EMT training available at Mount Wachusett Community College, please visit mwcc.edu/emt or contact Camilla Rojas at (978)630-9246 for more information. The next class begins January 9, 2024.