Wanamassa First Aid Squad’s Brad Levitizki, EMS supervisor, and Patrick Burns (TITLE), gather near their rig with members of the MMC staff and Medical Explorers Post #175.
Members of the Wanamassa First Aid Squad led the information session, which included an ambulance staging area and a discussion of the gear carried on the rig. Additionally, clinical staff from the hospital
discussed the care of COVID-19 patients in the ICU, and had a ventilator on hand for the Explorers to view and learn about. Infection Control and Safety procedures followed by the hospital staff were reviewed as well.
To ensure the safety of all participants, the Explorer Scouts gathered on the sidewalk area next to the building after a COVID screening and temperature check were completed, and signed in at a table equipped with a hand-sanitizing station and a supply of disinfectant wipes, masks and gloves. Surgical masks were worn by all participants, and personal distancing was observed.
“Exploring” as it is called by the Scouts of America, began in the 1930s when older troops would participate in adventurous activities, service projects, and mentorship programs with younger troops. In 2013, the program was established to be a career guidance program, and was then officially named an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. The “Post” program is offered to young men and women 14 to 20 years old.
Monmouth had offered a medical Exploring program in the 1980’s through its Medical Staff Office, and has recently re-established the program through its Department of Academic Affairs to offer local young adults the opportunity to explore careers in health care and to gain leadership experience. Each session is presented by a health care professional, who guides students through the field, including the education and pathways necessary to secure a job.
“We introduced this program in the hopes it would provide an opportunity for high school students in our community to gain exposure to fields they may have otherwise been unaware of, or not had access to,” said Monmouth Medical Center President and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus President and CEO Eric Carney. “We are so grateful to our EMS partners and our MMC team members for volunteering their time and expertise for this great program.”
On October 28, Monmouth was honored by Monmouth Council Boy Scouts of America with The William H. Spurgeon III Award, the highest recognition for individuals and organizations contributing significant leadership to the Exploring program. The council presents the Spurgeon Award to
Community organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding record of providing significant leadership to the Exploring program.
For more information about the Explorers, visit www.exploring.org.
CONTACT: Kathy Horan
(732) 546-6317
kathy.horan@rwjbh.org