CINCINNATI — In times of a crisis, first responders are called upon to help. But due to the pandemic, some departments are dealing with staffing issues.  Some schools across the state are coming up with ways to help bridge the gap. 

Students at Western Hills High School get real-life experience being firefighters thanks to a public safety course at the school.

Chelsea Bynum, 16, is a student in the firefighter course at Western Hills High School, and said she’s always wanted to be a firefighter. This past summer, she even participated in the fire cadet program. 

“I like helping people,” said Bynum. “I like the idea of being a firefighter.”

Putting out a fire is just one of the things students learn in the course.

Bynum is one of 20 students in the class and is one of a few girls. According to the latest data from the National Fire Protection Association, 8% of firefighters are women. 

“It shows me how strong I can be,” she said.  “I can do everything the boys can do.”

On Wednesday, Bynum and the others participated in a demonstration with the local fire department. Students learned how to work and climb ladders, work a hose, use a chainsaw and more.

But more importantly, Bynum said she learned the importance of teamwork. 

“Teamwork is the best thing to do,” she said. “You can’t get anywhere in the fire service without your family.”

By the end of the course, students will have completed enough training to apply for an emergency medical technician license. Bynum said once she graduates next year, she looks forward to pursuing a career in the field. 

“I met a lot of firefighters and from what we learned over the summer and through this program at my school I just think it’s a really good job,” she said.