Queen Anne’s County High School Students Get Hands-On Emergency Training Through Homeland Security Program

Students at Queen Anne’s County High School are gaining real-world emergency response experience through the school’s long-running Homeland Security program, which features hands-on simulations and training designed to prepare them for careers in public safety and national security.

Instructor Jason Woodward said the multi-year program includes four courses, ranging from introductory homeland security concepts to advanced research and a senior capstone. The track was created to give students interested in the military, law enforcement or emergency services a practical pathway after graduation.
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Now in its 12th year, the program regularly graduates more than 20 students annually and is considered one of the most popular offerings in the district’s Career and Technology Education program.

Students take part in realistic, scenario-based exercises similar to those used by emergency management and law enforcement agencies. Through a partnership with the Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, students get up-close experience with equipment and learn from professionals working in the field.

Training includes Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instruction, Stop the Bleed techniques, improvised first aid, fire suppression and other bystander response skills.

Emergency Services Director Scott Haas said the exercises help students build teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making skills while preparing them to respond confidently in emergencies.

Both Woodward and Haas say the goal is to create a culture of preparedness and give students the knowledge and confidence to help themselves and others when seconds matter most.