Jr. EMS member steps up to serve: Program introduces students to squad

Shelter Island’s Emergency Medical Services team, recognized as providing skilled, lifesaving care to Islanders at critical moments, has developed a program to introduce young people to the service. 

William Marshall, a 14-year-old 9th-grader in Shelter Island School, has become the first junior member. In 8th grade, he earned his Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and went on to register with Suffolk County EMS, taking an impressive step into service at a young age. 

Mentored by EMT Donna Clark, he’s helped by taking inventory of medical equipment, cleaning ambulances and taking training. “It’s a way of giving back to the community,” William said. He recently took part in ice rescue training, one of several people on Crescent Beach helping to pull in a “victim” whom senior EMTs wearing ice suits had gone out to rescue.

The program has a few other students in the pipeline, and lessons are being learned from William’s training that will help to inform future junior EMS members. “Hearing about what I’m doing, they think ‘That’s cool — I’d like to do that.’”

Director of the Emergency Medical Services Jack Thilberg said William has shadowed Ms. Clark during his training, and there are limits to the participation of the young volunteers. “They’re never alone. They don’t go on ambulance calls, or participate in our meetings where we discuss patients. It’s a work in progress.” He said three additional students are planning to enter the program.

Det. Sgt. Thilberg, who also serves in the Shelter Island Police Department, said “The Island needs volunteers for the Fire Department as well as the EMS. I hope involving young people in this program will inspire others to volunteer in the many ways the community needs.”