Hiawatha’s Fire Public Safety Cadets is a program for 14-21 year old volunteers designed to provide knowledge, skills and practical experiences in emergency medical services (EMS).
The program has seven active members and is intended for people with an interest in fire, EMS and the passion for helping their community. The group meets two to three times per month to train.
“We instruct and supervise the Cadets in the learning of skills both in firefighting and emergency medical skills to allow for them to find out what a career in both would be like,” Cadet Lead Mentor, Lieutenant Chris Liscum said. “The Cadets eventually qualify to work with a crew and respond to emergency calls with the crew in a special and safe capacity.”
Cadets learn a variety of skills to help them in an emergency situation.
“I’ve been a member of the Hiawatha Fire Cadets for just over a year. I have learned a bunch of skills relating to medical and fire,” Cadet and Kennedy sophomore Finn Chase said. “Some examples are CPR, Basic Life Support, and BloodBorne Pathogens. Fire-wise, I have learned how to pack and charge a hose line, forceful entry, and how to get changed quickly into full turnout gear.”
The program teaches more than just emergency service skills. Cadets develop practical skills for everyday life.
“We see a lot of development in our Cadets over the years, not just in the skills involved in emergency services, but also in social skills and their involvement within the community,” Liscum said.
The program is more than a pastime, as various Cadets have moved on to full-time emergency service careers.
“At the present time, five members of the Hiawatha Fire Department were once members of the Hiawatha Fire Public Safety Cadets,” Liscum said. “But we have had about fifteen past Cadets move on to permanent positions with Fire Departments across the country.”
For Chase, the various experiences in the program prepare him for a future in healthcare and emergency services.
“I do plan on going into the Healthcare industry, more specifically, I plan on getting my two year degree at Kirkwood.” Chase said. “I am going to be a part time Firefighter/EMT and full time nurse.”
The program is open for new participants, and anyone aged 14 through 21 are eligible to join.
“Joining is easy, be at least fourteen years of age and not yet 21 years old,” Liscum said. “Find out when a meeting is and come visit, fill out the paperwork and pay the fees. Registration is $80 for the first year and then $40 for each year after that to cover award costs and operation fees.”