Two Edgar school staff also serving as EMTs

Staff and students at the Edgar School District are feeling especially safe these days with two licensed EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) on staff.

Director of Buildings and Grounds Rob Rauen became an EMT about 10 years ago when the Edgar Volunteer Fire Department approached the district administrator to ask if any staff members were interested in becoming EMTs. The department was facing a shortage of EMTs available during the daytime and Rauen volunteered to help.

New to Edgar this year is Fay Niemann, who teaches middle school math and became a volunteer EMT six years ago. Inspired by her husband, who served with the fire department, Fay decided to join him in becoming an EMT.

“This was just another way to show that we’re part of the community,” Rauen said about becoming an EMT.

Prospective EMTs must take classes at a community or technical college and then pass the licensing exam. Courses are scenario- based to help students prepare and practice for actual emergencies.

Rauen makes himself available for daytime and nighttime calls and estimates that he is called at least once every other week. Occasionally, he responds to multiple calls a day.

Because she is a teacher, Niemann responds at night or on weekends. She is currently part of the Stratford Fire Department but is applying to be part of the Edgar Department. Because this is her first year at Edgar, she is still learning the school district’s emergency protocols and procedures. She sees a connection between being a teacher and being an EMT since she needs to be calm and reassuring whether she’s talking to an agitated accident victim or an excited student.

“You’re serving in both areas,” she said. “They really go hand in hand.”

At school, Rauen is often called by the health aide or school nurse to assess a student’s physical condition and help determine if the student needs outside medical care. Most of the calls come after playground accidents or mishaps during physical education classes. Having EMTs on-site significantly reduces the response time during an emergency, Rauen said.

And the students understand and respect that.

“The kids are really awesome,” Rauen said. “They respect that they have someone who is able to serve the community like that.” He also hopes he can be an adult role model and influence a student or two to consider becoming an EMT someday.

“A lot of kids want to become nurses or doctors,” he added. “This is the first step towards that.”

This kind of dedication not only enhances the safety and well-being of Edgar schools but also serves as a powerful example of service and leadership for our students, said Cari Guden, district administrator.

“We are proud to recognize their contributions and thank them for their efforts,” she said.

Rob Rauen

Fay Niemann