Quick Lifesaving Actions Earn 2 HCPSS Students State EMS Award

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two Howard County students with the Academy of Health Professions Emergency Medical Technician Program have been selected as the 2021 recipients of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (Maryland EMSC), a program at the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems “Right Care When It Counts” award. The award recognizes youth in Maryland who have demonstrated knowledge of steps to take during an emergency, or how to be better prepared for an emergency.

This year's award winners are Armon Wilson and Macayla Miles.

"The quick response of these two trainees exemplifies their dedication to caring for our community," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. "We're so proud to have these incredible students be a part of this program and hope that their actions inspire others to learn the importance of emergency response."

Armon Wilson and Macayla Miles were both trainees in the EMT pathway program when they noticed a child laying on the ground. The pair ran to the injured child and quickly assessed the
situation. They determined the child was in cardiac arrest and immediately initiated CPR. Both students carried on their resuscitative efforts until responding Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) personnel arrived.

“For the past 18 years, MIEMSS has recognized young people who have responded to emergency
situations,” Dr. Ted Delbridge, MIEMSS executive director, said. “They put into action the knowledge and skills acquired in school and other activities, and they do so with amazing poise and bravery.”

The EMT program is held at the Applications and Research Laboratory in Ellicott City for senior high school students. The academy provides students with life-saving emergency skills, such as being able to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma incidents. The classes provide traditional classroom learning as well as clinical training. The EMT program is the result of combined efforts among Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS), HCDFRS and Howard Community College.

“The EMT pathway is full of demanding coursework that prepares students to be able to care for others. The swift action taken by Macayla and Armon was an excellent effort,” HCDFRS Fire Chief William Anuszewski said. “The knowledge that they gained through the EMT program allowed for these students to know exactly what do to during a very challenging situation.”

HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano expressed his admiration for the students and their lifesaving actions.

“I am incredibly proud of our two Academy of Health Professions EMT students, Armon Saleem Wilson and Macayla Miles, who put their learning into practice to assist in a real-life medical emergency,” he said. “I am in awe of their situational awareness and innate desire to run
toward an accident in an effort to save and protect human lives. We’re grateful that the EMT pathway provides our students with the opportunity to master important emergency preparation skills for the benefit of our community.”