Nine students from Greensburg High School, North Decatur High School, and South Decatur High School recently participated in the first annual Future First Responder Camp, a three-day immersive experience designed to introduce local students to careers in emergency medical services, fire service, and law enforcement.
Hosted by Decatur County EMS in partnership with Decatur County Memorial Hospital, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Greensburg Fire Department, and Greensburg Police Department, the camp provided students with hands-on training and real-world exposure to public safety professions.
Throughout the three-day program, students participated in physically active and interactive learning experiences focused on the skills and responsibilities required in public safety careers. Activities included advanced airway management, fire department physical agility testing, firearms safety, tactical response team requirements, police K-9 search and apprehension demonstrations, and emergency response scenarios.
The camp concluded with a field day featuring a scavenger hunt, an impaired driving obstacle course using pedal bikes, hands-on vehicle extrication, and a landing zone demonstration by IU Health LifeLine.
“This camp was created to give students a realistic look at what it takes to serve their communities as first responders,” said Matt Myers, EMS Manager. “We hope to inspire the next generation of EMS providers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.”
One student participant shared, “I would recommend this camp to all of my friends next year!”
In addition to learning technical skills, students experienced the teamwork, communication, and dedication required across public safety disciplines. The collaborative nature of the camp allowed participants to see how EMS, fire, and law enforcement agencies work together to respond to emergencies and serve the community.
The program was open to students with an interest in EMS, fire service, or law enforcement. Activities were designed to challenge students physically and mentally while providing an authentic introduction to public safety careers.
Decatur County EMS and its partners look to continue and expand the program in future years to provide additional opportunities for local students interested in serving the community.
Special thanks to program partners Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Greensburg Fire Department, and Greensburg Police Department, as well as food sponsors KB Foods and the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County, for helping make the camp possible.
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Future First Responder Summer Camp Attendees with representatives from Decatur County EMS, Decatur County Sheriff's Department, Greensburg Fire Department, & Greensburg Police Department
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Attendees completing EMS activity
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Attendees completing EMS activity
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Attendees completing EMS activity
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Attendee completing Fire activity
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Attendee completing Fire activity
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Attendees completing Law Enforcement Activity
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Attendee completing an impaired driving simulation
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Top: Attendees completing a Law Enforcement Activity/ Bottom: Stand-Out Attendees recognized by public safety teams
