By Zoe Howard
Copy Editor
Senior Dylan Davidoff gets a jump start to his medical career by volunteering as an emergency medical responder (EMR) at the Rose Parade.
Last summer, Davidoff became a lifeguard and a certified first responder. He has about 50 hours of different training in courses including basic life support (BLS), bloodborne pathogens, oxygen administration and lifeguarding. Davidoff originally did his BLS course at the Dive and Surf Shop in Redondo Beach.
“I’ve been interested in being a lifeguard for a few years now, and I wanted to build my certification so I can become an emergency medical technician before college,” Davidoff said.
Davidoff works as a lifeguard in Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. Seaside Lagoon is only open three months of the year in the summer, but he would work for 32 hours a week.
“I had worked as a lifeguard the summer before, so I had a few hundred hours of experience prior to the Rose Parade,” Davidoff said. “As a lifeguard, we handle a lot of first aid cases. In return, I was able to use prior experiences during the Rose Parade.”
Davidoff is also part of Costa’s Red Cross Club that is dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer services. He joined the club this year and has learned about the volunteer opportunity through the club.
“Overall, it’s been a very enjoyable experience where I can participate in unique volunteer opportunities that I can’t really find at school,” Davidoff said.
On Jan. 1, Davidoff volunteered at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. He had a call time of 4 a.m. at CalTech. They then drove to their station location and started setting up. At 5:30 a.m., they received their first patient and continued to receive people until noon when the station closed.
“The Rose Bowl was very high energy, and I had an absolute blast. We had an emergency situation at 5:30 a.m., so we had to be prepared the moment we arrived on the parade route,” Davidoff said. “I loved interacting with a bunch of other first responders including EMRs, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.”
Davidoff did not have to go through an interview process. Anymore who completed the prerequisite training was allowed to volunteer. At the Rose Parade, they were divided into three groups. Davidoff was part of the station, so most of the groups brought their patients to him. For a little while during the parade, Davidoff also patrolled the eastern route and helped that team.
“The hardest part about working as a first responder is having to ask medical questions while trying to sound empathetic,” Davidoff said. “You need to make your patient feel comfortable and safe while still collecting all necessary medical information.”
Davidoff says that at school there haven’t been that many Red Cross medical activities, although he’s hoping to work at any upcoming blood drives. In college, Davidoff wants to study medicine and neuroscience.
“Prior to medical school, I would like to get my EMT certification or even a paramedic certification,” Davidoff said.
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