Westfield High School student becomes first EMS Capstone Intern
By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
Westfield High School (WHS) student Chloe Sutake stepped into a medical facility during her second ever clinical ride-along to find a first responder performing CPR on an unresponsive patient.
While some students might hang back and observe, Sutake didn’t hesitate to relieve the responder, stepping in to continue CPR. The hundreds of hours of emergency medical training she had received up to that point kicked into high gear, and she was ultimately able to revive the patient.
“It’s called ROSC, Return of Spontaneous Circulation,” said Michael Brooks, WHS career technical educational instructor. “Big kudos to her for taking that initiative. She saved the patient’s life.”
Now, after completing more than the required 24 hours of ride-alongs in an ambulance, including contact with at least 10 patients, Sutake has been named as the inaugural EMS Capstone intern.
The first of its kind in Indiana, the EMS Capstone Internship represents a partnership between WHS and Heartland Ambulance Service.
“We are thrilled to announce a pioneering step in education,” Brooks said.
With more than 30 years of experience in education and 24 years working in emergency medical services, Brooks has been developing this program for at least 10 years. He also credits Michelle Goudy, WHS internship coordinator, with helping to make the visionary program a reality. Goudy said her position was created in order to focus on providing more opportunities for WHS seniors.
The EMS Capstone Internship will bridge the gap for students, like Sutake, who have met all requirements to function as EMTs but are unable to do so under Indiana state regulations until they turn 18.
(From left) WHS Career Technical Educational Instructor Michael Brooks, WHS Internship Coordinator Michelle Goudy, WHS Senior Chloe Sutake, and EMS Section Chief of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security EMS Division Robin Stump have worked to make the EMS Capstone Internship a reality. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
According to Kari Lanham, EMS education and training coordinator for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security EMS Division, Sutake and future EMS Capstone interns will operate as state certified Emergency Medical Responders.
EMS Section Chief for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security EMS Division, Robin Stump said that, like WHS, around a dozen high schools throughout the state offer the department’s approved statewide curriculum.
The EMS Capstone Internship will now allow interns to move beyond the high school courses to work closely with EMTs and paramedics.
“I’ve always had an interest in the medical field,” Sutake said. “I tried the EMR class, and I just fell in love with it.”
With 14 dual credits at Ivy Tech Community College, Sutake is well on her way to a successful medical career. A senior, she plans to study nursing in college while also working as an EMT.
“With Heartland Ambulance, we’ve got stations within 15 to 20 miles of most of the state universities,” Brooks said. “The legacy of this program is to bring more professionals in, not just for dual credits, but for us to get EMTs on the streets to go on to become advanced EMTs and paramedics.”
When Sutake turns 18 later this year, she will go from being an EMR intern to a paid EMT, according to Brooks.
“I feel like I’m starting something,” Sutake said. “I think the best part is being able to help people, and I get a cool opportunity to pursue what I enjoy.”