Paramedic Students Volunteer at Little League World Series

Several students in the Paramedic Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology are volunteering their time, working seven- to 11-hour shifts, at the 2004 Little League World Series in South Williamsport.

The students serve alongside paramedics who are preceptors from Susquehanna Health System, ready to serve anyone at the games – which are attended by thousands – requiring medical assistance beyond the scope of basic first aid.



Bambi A. Hawkins, interim director of the Paramedic Program, said the Penn College Paramedic Technology students start to work in the field during their second semester and continue to serve in the field until they graduate. But she said the instructors in the Paramedic Program also encourage them to take part in volunteer activities, such as their work at the World Series, which does not count toward the required number of field hours.

"Volunteerism is part of being a paramedic in the long run," Hawkins said.

Shawn T. Ritchey, of South Williamsport, said that, in addition to providing hands-on experience, volunteering at the event gave him a cultural education. He got the opportunity to communicate and overcome language differences with people not only from different parts of the United States, but from around the world.

Hawkins said that cultural experience is important. She said the World Series also provides the students with the unique opportunity to be an important part of an event that is watched by millions of Little League Baseball fans on television sets in 151 countries.

Other Paramedic Technology students who are volunteering at the 2004 Little League World Series are: Timothy D. Case, Williamsport; Jamie R. Izer, Greencastle; and Daniel A. Quimby, Wellsboro.