A recent graduate of Yellow Medicine East High School, Kate Scheffler has always been passionate about the medical field. And while she is still trying to figure out exactly what path to choose in this highly regarded and demanding career choice, her recent training and licensure as an emergency medical technician (EMT) is placing her on the right track.
As a participant in the Summer Health Care Intern Program at the Granite Falls Municipal Hospital and Manor last summer, the experience Scheffler gained by observing in the Emergency Room was pivotal in her decision to enroll in the EMT course.
“My favorite part of the internship was being in the ER,” recalls Scheffler, “it was then that I realized that trauma was a potential area of interest that I could pursue.”
Thus, beginning on January through late April, Scheffler embarked on her training as an EMT, by taking classes offered by the Granite Falls Ambulance. Classes were held during the evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays.
Although the road to becoming an EMT proved to be a fulfilling one for Scheffler, at times it proved challenging.
“It was hard to balance my school work and friends while training to become an EMT,” said Scheffler.
And who could blame her? After taking rigorous high school subjects like physics, advanced biology, and college writing, it is impressive to see how Scheffler managed to find time to study for her practicals.
Practicals are practice scenarios of medical emergencies that an EMT might encounter. These involve a lot of memorizing and being able to recall the necessary actions needed to help a patient who might find themselves in need of medical assistance.
Practicing for these tests was “probably the hardest” material Scheffler had to study in order pass her final exam as well as being licensed as an EMT.
Upon completeing her course and doing exceedingly well in her final exam, Scheffler was invited to work for the Granite Falls Ambulance crew.
“Everyone in the crew is so nice and they teach me something new each day. I’m glad to be working with people that are helping me find my way.” concluded Scheffler.
Kate Scheffler is a 2010 YME graduate and is the daughter of Pete and Wendy Scheffler. During her time at YME she was involved in girls tennis, yearbook, newspaper, one -act play, musical, National Honor Society, student council, and was the boys tennis manager. In the fall she will be attending the University of Minnesota in Rochester where she hopes to officially choose her medical career path.
