Health & Fitness
College Student Attributes Lifesaving Skills Aboard Aircraft to Mahopac High School Class
When Justin Fleischer took an EMT class at Mahopac High School last year, he couldn’t have known how quickly — and effectively — he would use his skills. The Mahopac High School graduate and Union College freshman saved two ailing passengers on a March 21st Southwest Airlines flight from New York to Tampa, where he was going as a member of his college crew team.
“Fifteen minutes after the plane took off, a flight attendant made an announcement asking if there was a doctor, nurse, paramedic or EMT on board,” said Justin, who immediately volunteered his services as an EMT. Justin took the New York State Emergency Medical Technician course that’s been taught at Mahopac High School by science teacher Michael Revenson for the past 10 years.
“I got up and was escorted to an elderly man who was sweating profusely. He had a high pulse rate and headache.” Justin went into action, “doing everything Mr. Revenson taught me with what was available.” The man was stabilized and feeling better after Justin applied oxygen and cooled him down.
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Oddly enough, 20 minutes later another elderly man lost consciousness and was in need of Justin’s attention. “He had the exact same problem,” Justin said. “I attended to him similarly and he also recovered rapidly.”
Justin, a biochemistry major who plans to pursue a career in medicine, is grateful to Revenson for his skills. “He was one of the most knowledgeable teachers I encountered during my time at MHS, and I am very appreciative of all he taught me. I hope our school continues to offer the course, as I think it is an excellent outlet for students interested in healthcare and medicine.”
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“I am very proud of Justin for stepping up in a time of need and relying on his training to do the best job possible with what was available,” said Revenson. “Usually it takes years of experience to be able to improvise like that.”
Justin, who was recently awarded a Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center Research Fellowship, will be interning at the hospital this summer.
