Service Beyond 4-H: Angela Smith

In early February, 2020, the newly selected Pennsylvania 4-H State Council chose a service project that all Pennsylvania 4-H youth could support. The project is to create and deliver thank-you cards to the first responders in our communities. This year in particular, we have all witnessed the heroism and selflessness our first responders possess. Take a moment and I am sure you can think of at least one person you know who is considered a first responder. Our family of 4-H educators is no exception.

Angela Smith is the 4-H educator in Pike county. She is also an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). We "sat-down", virtually, with Angela to learn more about her role as an EMT and her connection with 4-H.

Q: What parallels do you see between your 4-H role and your first responder role?

Many of the skills and qualities required to be an effective first responder are exactly those we are trying to instill in our 4-H youth. As an EMT, I employ critical thinking, problem solving, situational awareness, resourcefulness, resilience, and leadership skills on every call. As a Volunteer EMT, I have pledged my hands to larger service and am there for those in need in my community with no compensation other than the satisfaction of knowing that my family, friends, and neighbors are safer thanks to my ability to provide quality emergency medical care.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a first responder?

The most rewarding part of being an EMT is the personal and emotional support I am able to provide in addition to medical care. Reassuring a patient who is scared, explaining a situation to concerned family, holding the hand of a victim, comforting a person who has lost a loved one…these emotional situations also arise and are just as important as my ability to perform physical life-sustaining interventions.

Q: If there is anything else you'd like to share, please do!

Pennsylvania and many other states cross the U.S. are facing a serious volunteer EMS shortage that is threatening the quality of life of our rural citizens. Response times are becoming increasingly higher due to lack of available EMTs and we often find bystanders are the first on-scene in the event of an emergency. Thus, EVERYONE has the potential to be a first responder at some point in their life, which is why it is essential for all citizens to know CPR and basic first-aid. Help us help your community by visiting the American Heart Association's Hand only CPR page and watch the video to learn hands only CPR.

Thank you to Angela for her outstanding work as a 4-H educator and first responder! You can get involved in the 2020 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council service project too. Learn more by visiting the 4-H State-wide Service Project.

Help the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council reach their goal of distributing 5,000 cards to our first responders, by Januray 2021!