Public Safety Academy students at Hoover High School are learning how emergency response systems work and why quick action saves lives, guided by PSA teacher April Schwartz, a former firefighter with the Sierra Madre Fire Department.
The program introduces students to careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services.
Schwartz said she hopes her students understand the importance of public safety and “there will always be a need to help others.”
Before modern EMS systems existed, funeral homes transported patients and medical care did not begin until arrival at the hospital. Wars demonstrated the importance of immediate treatment in the field, during transport, and after arrival at medical centers.
First responders provide lifesaving care by responding quickly, stabilizing patients, and coordinating safe transport to specialized facilities. The EMS system depends on policies and regulations to keep care consistent and reliable. Without oversight, patient treatment would be confusing and unsafe.
When emergencies happen, 911 connects callers to police, fire, and ambulance crews. Calls are answered at Public Service Answering Points, where trained dispatchers collect information and send the proper responders.
Other public service numbers provide different resources. The number 211 connects callers to community health and human services, 311 to city services, 511 to transportation updates, 711 to relay services for the deaf and hard of hearing, 811 to utility safety, and 988 to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Additional numbers include 411 for directory assistance and 611 for telephone service help.
Scene safety is always the first priority. For example, when a vehicle rear-ends another at a red light, the safest step for a bystander is to stay out of the roadway, call 911, and wait for trained personnel.
There are three main levels of EMS training.
- Emergency Medical Responders train for three to four months and provide basic care.
- Emergency Medical Technicians train for four to six months and perform advanced interventions.
- Paramedics receive two years of additional training and provide the highest level of pre-hospital medical care.
Patients are transported to specialized centers depending on their needs. Trauma centers treat severe injuries, burn centers focus on major burns, cardiac centers handle heart emergencies, and more.
Public Safety Academy students see how EMS also connects to public health.
“Mrs. Schwartz is an incredibly kind and thoughtful teacher, I love to be in this informational and fun class, PSA,” Alessandra Romero Rivera, class of 2028, said.
Eleni Alexandrian agreed.
“Mrs. Schwartz is an incredible teacher, she’s an amazing role model and has always supported me,” Eleni said. “If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have found my interest in law enforcement and be pursuing it right now.”
Through classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios, Hoover students are learning that emergency medical services are not only about responding to crises but also about preventing injury and illness in the community.
