By: Richard L. Smith
On Thursday, Essex County Newark Tech introduced a new life-size ambulance simulator, a significant step towards enhancing its Health Academy Program.
RLS Media has learned that this cutting-edge equipment, a rarity in high school education, positions Newark Tech as the only high school in New Jersey—and alongside Rowan University as one of the two educational institutions in the state—to offer such advanced EMT training tools.
The unveiling was attended by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Schools Superintendent Dr. James Pedersen, and representatives from the Schools of Technology Board of Education.
They praised the collaborative efforts between Newark Tech and major healthcare providers—RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and University Hospital—which enable students to complete necessary clinical hours for EMT certification and gain valuable real-world experience in local hospitals.
Senior student Skylie Ramirez shared her challenging yet rewarding experience with the EMT class, emphasizing the program's rigor and the satisfaction of passing tests and earning certifications.
The program not only prepares students for immediate certification but also addresses the critical shortage of EMS workers highlighted by healthcare professionals during the event.
The ambulance simulator, capable of simulating real road conditions and equipped with cameras for classroom viewing, offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience.
Alongside this, Newark Tech has also acquired state-of-the-art medical simulators like SimMan, SimMom, and SimBaby, further enriching the curriculum with scenarios ranging from routine care to emergency childbirth.
This initiative, funded through American Rescue Funds, signifies Essex County's commitment to fulfilling the demand for healthcare professionals and cultivating a new generation of EMTs equipped to serve their communities effectively.