(Courtesy of TVAC) Over the last several weeks The Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC), in partnership with Areyvut (www.areyvut.org), has opened its doors to high school students in order to help these students learn life-saving skills. Students, eighth grade to 12th grade, joined members of Areyvut’s administration and TVAC leadership for weekly sessions that were held at TVAC’s headquarters on Windsor Road (TVAC Way) in Teaneck.

In the first of four sessions, students learned about how Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operate in New Jersey, including the difference between Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and paramedics, how they work collaboratively in the treatment of patients and how TVAC works with the local hospitals in order to ensure the best possible patient care. Students heard from TVAC’s chief, Yoni Celnik, as well as TVAC’s captains, Anastasia Ipekci and Ezra Finkelstein, about why they joined TVAC and about their personal experiences volunteering in EMS. Students also learned the importance of dialing 911 in an emergency and how dialing 911 activates the full emergency response system including police and fire.

In the second session, titled “Life-Saving Interventions: CPR and Choking,” students had the opportunity to learn CPR and how to assist someone who is choking. During this session, taught by TVAC’s training officer and certified CPR instructor, Scott Reiss, students learned how to perform a slew of life-saving interventions, including providing chest compressions and rescue breathing, how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and how to perform abdominal thrusts to help save a person who is choking.

Session three, taught by TVAC life member and certified instructor Rabbi Daniel Senter, students, once again, had the opportunity to get hands-on experience while learning first aid interventions. This session covered everything from basic bleeding control including the application of a tourniquet to treating a bee sting. Students learned how to use conventional first aid equipment in addition to learning how to improvise in order to save a life.

The final session was as much of a learning experience for TVAC members as it was for the students. TVAC held a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill where its members practiced how to handle a situation with numerous patients at one time. In this specific drill, TVAC members practiced alongside the Teaneck Fire Department handling a simulated school bus accident.

With thanks and appreciation to D&M Tours, a school bus was provided for members to practice on. TVAC members focused on practicing triaging and treating patients in the field as well as providing treatment and transport to the injured. TVAC is thankful to the students from Areyvut and the many community members who acted as patients for this important training initiative.

TVAC looks forward to a continued partnership with Areyvut and running similar programs in the future.

If you would like to join a diverse team of first responders serving the entire community, or to learn more about TVAC, please visit www.teaneckambulance.org.