ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, December 16, 1996 TAG: 9612180007
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Extra Credit
Name: Nicholas ``Nick'' Morris
Age: 17
School: Pulaski County High School
Year: Junior
What he's done for others: Ever since he can remember, Nick wanted to be an Emergency Medical Technician on a rescue squad. Last year, at age 16, he was finally eligible to join the Pulaski County Lifesaving Crew. While Nick helped out on the squad, he also took the required EMT classes; he passed the state EMT exam a month ago.
Nick does everything other EMTs do - from routine calls to extrications to rope rescues. He is also part of a cave rescue team. His 30 hours a week on call with the squad are in addition to his schoolwork and an almost full-time job. And he still manages to earn good grades.
Nick was a star center on his school's junior varsity football team before he quit at the end of his sophomore year. ``I would never have been able to be on the rescue squad,'' he said, ``and it's something I love to do.
``Getting thanks after people get better, when they thank you for helping them, means a lot to me.''
Nick will continue his EMT training with rescue college in the spring, which includes swift water rescue, and shock trauma classes in the fall.
``It can be hard keeping up with everything, with my classes, with my knowledge,'' he said. ``If you don't let the pressure get to you, it's OK.''
``Nick usually carries a lot of weight around here,'' said Todd Hayes, his crew chief. ``He's really good with people. He doesn't panic. He's a lot of help and we appreciate it.
``I think his young age is an advantage. Kids are less likely to do something mischievous in the community with him on the squad.''
``Nick's learning a whole lot,'' said Jeff Hubble, a squad member. ``He learns more quickly than most people. On calls, he's mature. He stays calm and does what needs to be done.''
Nick also helps out with pool therapy for mentally and physically handicapped children at the local YMCA.
``A few of us do it through our health occupations class. I volunteered for it and do it instead of class time - I still have to make up the work.
``Sometimes it's hard to understand the kids and they can't understand you, but it's really great to help them.''
Other activities: Nick threw the shot put and discus on the school's track team.
I would like people to think of me as...: ``understanding and helpful.''
In my free time I like to...: ``usually spend it at the rescue squad and sometimes hang out with friends.''
What I'd like to change about the world: ``I'd really like to change a lot of people's attitudes. If people didn't have the `I'm Mr. Everything' attitude, the world would be better off.''
Most important issue facing teen-agers today: ``Drugs and alcohol. I've seen a lot of my friends go downhill because of that.''
The toughest lesson I've learned so far is...: ``no matter how hard you work, not everyone will be satisfied.''
My greatest thrill has been...: ``the first time I went on a rescue squad call. It was a major rush.''
My major goal in life is...: ``to be able to do something with my life, to have a nice life, have a good home, a good marriage - like the Brady Bunch family!''
People I most admire: ``There are five people on the rescue squad I admire so much - Jody Martin, Brad Nester, Jeff Hubble, Ryan Hite and Todd Hayes. They're all so calm under pressure, and they're really good to talk to. They're the people who've been there for me.
``Some of the calls are hard. I've had friends die in car wrecks.''
Best advice I've received is...: ``to not pay attention to what everybody else thinks or says. Do what you think is right.''
My dream date: ``She has to be really nice, really understanding of what I do and what it means to me. And she has to put up with my hectic schedule.''
Future plans: Nick plans to attend the College of Health Sciences in Roanoke. He hopes to become an R.N./paramedic/firefighter.
``I want to have the R.N. part in case I wanted to be a paramedic instructor or be a flight nurse. I'd love to be in a rescue helicopter.''
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: GENE DALTON/Staff. Nick Morris is on call 30 hours aby CNBweek for the Pulaski County Lifesaving Crew. In addition to his
schoolwork, he holds down an almost full-time job. color.