Project Summary:
The implementation of a statewide Student Emergency Response Team (SERT) program supports health workforce education and development. Wisconsin faces a growing shortage of first responders and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, with an approximate loss of 24% of the EMS workforce within the last six years, leading to delayed responses in emergencies and increased risk for communities.
The establishment of Student Emergency Response Teams (SERT) in schools not only helps to address this shortage but also promotes health equity across diverse populations in the state. By training students to respond to emergencies, SERT programs increase readiness by providing immediate assistance in rural or low-resource areas, where professional responders may have delayed response times.
This capability is crucial for ensuring that all community members receive timely care, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. As students acquire the emergency preparedness training and expertise, they will be connected to a digital community of educational resources and mentors to facilitate the discovery of first responder, EMS, and Emergency Department careers.
By combining skill acquisition, discovery of career options, and access to mentorship resources at the high school level, the SERT program prepares students to eventually fill the emergency preparedness workforce gaps across the state, in particular within the most vulnerable communities.