Wash. Boy Scout Medical Explorers Post Learns Basics of EMS

Nov. 30--

During the past decade, the MultiCare Good Samaritan Medical Explorers Post 905 has developed into a robust program of both community service and an educational tool for those who are interested in the health care profession.

Since it was founded in 1973, the Boy Scouts of America-affiliate program has graduated hundreds of students ages 14 to 18. And the public is proud of the first aid and first-responder service the medical explorers provide at community functions throughout east Pierce County.

But for the past 20 years, the program has relied on an outdated ambulance that continued to require regular service and maintenance that cost thousands of dollars.

"The old ambulance was a wreck," said Amy Curtis, a junior at Puyallup High School who is a third-year student in the medical explorers program. "We're just blessed to have AMR donate a new ambulance."

American Medical Response, the nation's largest private ambulance service provider in 40 states, donated a used ambulance Nov. 22 that is in exceptionally good condition.

"When the request for a new ambulance got to me, it was a no-brainer to replace the unit," said Randy Strozyck, chief executive officer of AMR's air medical division. "Over the past weeks, we've done a top-to-bottom maintenance check, so when the (medical explorers) get to it, there are no issues."

In front of the emergency medical center at Good Samaritan, Strozyck awarded the keys to the ambulance to medical explorers adviser Chris Mock. The team eagerly jumped inside to check it out.

"I've heard Chris (Mock) talk about it for so long, it's really cool to see it actually happen," said Tara Adams, a junior at Puyallup High School.

Adams said the rear-view mirrors in the old ambulance were broken, the ceiling leaked and it had the worst smell inside.

"The new ambulance represents us better as a group," she said. "It makes us look more professional and builds a better image for us in the community."

Mock said she's excited to receive the gift. She said she received word as early as May that a new ambulance would be coming. She just didn't know when.

"I'm so excited," she said. "We get to do more activities with the ambulance. I'm grateful that we have it."

For Mock and Strozyck, the donation has its own reward. From 1972 until he graduated from Sumner High School in 1975, Strozyck was a medical explorer with Post 905. Mock was associated with the group at that time and first met Strozyck. He went on to become a paramedic and eventually made his way to AMR. He lives in Bonney Lake.

"Any time that you can have a program like this that allows high school students to get exposure to health care in various formats, it's always a good opportunity," Strozyck said. "For me, it was a chance to see things and experience patient care that you never imagined. I spent many Friday and Saturday nights in the emergency department, helping patients."

Strozyck proudly told the medical explorers that they were the best years of his life.

Reporter Andrew Fickes can be reached at 253-841-2481, ext. 313, or by email at andrew.fickes@puyallupherald.com.

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Copyright 2011 - Puyallup Herald, Wash.