Matamoras Emergency Squad’s Emily Riggs, and Matthew Farnsworth demonstrate strapping fourth-grader Jacek Wilson to a flat board. The responders were at Newport Elementary School to educate students about emergency preparedness. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

NEWPORT — Matamoras Emergency Squad educated local elementary students Wednesday afternoon about emergency preparedness.

Responder Fred Hupp said they did the presentation of National EMS Week, which is acknowledged May 19-25 and celebrates emergency workers and their contributions.

They went to New Matamoras Elementary in the morning and Newport Elementary in the afternoon. The group set up two stations.

In Newport’s gymnasium, squad members Jared Farnsworth spoke to students and operated a machine that showed vital signs, while Matthew Farnsworth and Emily Riggs demonstrated strapping them to a flat board that transports to a gurney.

The second station was staffed by Shane Bellville and Dave Yonley. An ambulance was parked at the school’s entrance, where Bellville talked to students. They were also able to climb into the ambulance, where Yonley pointed out different medical supplies and functions in the vehicle.

Matamoras Emergency Squad’s Jared Farnsworth, left, shows fourth-grader Emma Godfrey her vital signs during their presentation at Newport Elementary Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

Bellville said one of the most important items to know when calling 911 is the address. If not, responders aren’t able to find people.

“We had a call recently where all we had was the cellphone coordinates from the closest tower,” he said. “We drove around for an hour trying to find the person and couldn’t.”

The ambulance is also equipped with an electric lift that picks up the gurney into the vehicle. Students were permitted to use it during the demonstration.

Farnsworth said the squad decided to come to Newport Elementary due to the closure of the village’s fire department.

“We saw a gap that needed to be filled,” he said. “We want to show the kids we are people, too. Thru don’t have to be afraid of us.”

Matt Bellville, right, of Matamoras Emergency Squad, talks to a class of fifth graders at Newport Elementary about key components of emergency safety. Bellville told students knowing their home address is important in order for responders to find them. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

Newport Principal Jason Otto said he was open to the idea when the school was contacted.

“We thought it would be beneficial for the kids to learn about safety,” he said.

Farnsworth said he enjoys talking with the kids about safety. They are receptive to the information and engaged with the presentation. He also said the most important aspect of an emergency situation is to stay as calm as possible.

“It helps 90% of situations if you stay calm,” he said. “If you stay calm, everyone stays calm.”

Bellville said the hope of Matamoras EMS visiting the schools is for students to recognize them if a situation occurs.

Dave Yonley, middle, talks with fifth graders at Newport Elementary, Violet Stull, right, and Ryland Efaw in Matamoras Emergency Squad’s ambulance during their presentation Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Kristen Hainkel)

“If there’s an emergency at school, they know us. That’s the guy who came to talk to us last year,” he said.