Oakley High School EMT Class

In a world where emergencies can happen in a moment, the difference between life and death often hinges on the readiness and skill of first responders. In Logan County, high school students are stepping up to that challenge.

Oakley HS EMS Students learn how to use a combi-board with student teacher (and current HS EMT) Carter Krier.

Why an EMT class in High School?

• Real-World Preparation-This isn't just another elective. Students learn medical terminology, patient assessment, trauma care, CPR, and more. They gain hands-on experience with mannequins, simulation labs, and ride-alongs.

• Career Jumpstart-Successful graduates are often eligible to sit for national or state-level EMT certification exams. That means rather than waiting until after college, students can enter the health care or emergency services workforce either. Students can take the class at 16 and test when they turn 17.

• Community Impact-Rural areas like Logan County often face shortages of EMS personnel. Local high school-trained EMTs can help fill those gaps and be a lifeline for their own communities.  In places with long driving distances and fewer medical facilities, response time is critical.

• Skill Development Beyond Medicine-Students also grow in leadership, teamwork, decision-making skills under pressure, and communication -- traits useful in any profession. Graduates can go on to paramedicine, nursing, or allied health roles.

The class is taught by Logan County Paramedic, Candy Aschenbrenner. High school senior Carter Krier, who is a certified EMT, assisted Candy and gave them real-world stories. In the 2024-2025 school year, 2 EMT students took the class. Both students and Carter went on to college in the medical field. There were no interested students for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Oakley High School EMT class is more than a course-it's a bridge between education and service. It empowers students to step in to responsibility, offers them real credentials, and strengthens the local emergency response safety net. If you're a parent or student in Logan County, we encourage you to explore this program. You can talk to the principal or contact Logan County EMS at 785-671-1031.