At the Allegan Tech Center, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program recently had a special group of visitors—students from the Head Start classroom housed on the same campus. This hands-on interaction, developed in partnership with Community Action of Allegan County, provided a unique and meaningful opportunity for both the EMS students and the young learners.
The visit was more than just a tour. The EMS students guided the preschoolers through various activities that introduced them to emergency care in an approachable and engaging way. The littles practiced how to bandage an arm injury, listened to their own heartbeats through a stethoscope, explored the inside of an ambulance, helped lift a training mannequin onto a backboard, and even experienced being strapped into a gurney—all with the help and encouragement of the EMS students.
While it was an exciting day for the preschoolers, it was also an incredibly valuable experience for the EMS students. In the field, pediatric calls are not common, thankfully, so many providers have limited experience working with younger patients.” This visit allowed students to build confidence, develop communication skills, and gain an understanding of how to approach care for our youngest community members in a calm and compassionate way.
EMS instructor Jodie McLean emphasized the importance of this kind of training, stating, “This opportunity helps students practice the technical side of pediatric care, but more importantly, it teaches them how to build trust with young patients. That trust can make all the difference in an emergency.”
Community Action’s Early Education Services program, which includes Head Start, aims to support the whole child by fostering partnerships between families, schools, and the broader community. This collaboration is a prime example of how early education and career tech programs can work together to deepen learning for all ages.
By building these connections early, children become more comfortable with medical professionals and equipment they might encounter in an emergency situation. At the same time, EMS students gain experience that helps them become better prepared and more empathetic providers.
This partnership not only strengthens learning outcomes but also reinforces the role of compassion and understanding in public service. It’s one more way the Allegan Tech Center and Community Action are working together to build a stronger, more supportive community—one heartbeat at a time.