Davin’s Hands-on Journey into Healthcare

Real life experience saving real lives at BHS

When he was younger, Davin was a member of the Boy Scouts and found that he really enjoyed first aid, emergency preparedness, and the work of search and rescue. While attending a camp, a staff member who worked as a paramedic and firefighter shared details about what his work was like. Davin knew that would be his path. As a junior, he dove into some of the courses of the Health Sciences & Human Services Pathway at BHS while also trying a few classes in the Design, Engineering & Manufacturing Pathway, but ultimately he knew that healthcare was his calling.

“I liked the ability to explore and see different options, to get more experience, or even ask others who have taken a class or guidance counselors to narrow things down,” said Davin. “Classes like Healthcare Core Curriculum covered a lot of important concepts while EMT class was more hands-on with learning about airways, cardiac issues, and patient assessment. I saved thousands of dollars being able to do those classes in high school!”

The classes Davin took often provided hands-on learning experiences, but most importantly, he was able to earn important certifications that would be instrumental to his future. By testing for and achieving his CNA license while still in high school, Davin found himself equipped with a head start on his career with new opportunities ahead of him. During his senior year he took the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class where he was certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and received incredible experience on his goal of becoming a paramedic. 

“I knew I eventually wanted to become a paramedic which is the highest level you can achieve for care outside of a facility,” said Davin. “I was learning how to deal with cardiac arrests, about respiratory issues, moving and lifting, getting folks to the hospital, and being able assess situations and adjust the approach based on symptoms or signs. It was a great way to develop critical thinking.”

Davin graduated in 2022 and is pursuing a paramedic degree and licensure at the South Central Community College in Mankato. The two-year program is tough, but not being one to back down from a challenge, Davin is also training to be a firefighter as part of a residential firefighter program with the Mankato Fire Department. In exchange for living at the fire station, he will complete his training and will work overnight shifts on a two days on, four days off schedule. 

Once he graduates from the two-year program and gets some experience in the field, he wants to move back to the Twin Cities area and serve as a firefighter and paramedic, ideally for the Burnsville Fire Department. He is excited to get out in the field and help people as soon as possible.

This path is how I feel I can do the most good. With this two-year plan, I will be able to rescue a person from a car and immediately start performing medical care very soon. You have to be able to handle a certain level of blood, guts, and gore in this field, but if you like hands-on learning and helping people, it’s a great thing to explore!”

- Davin Alt