WASHINGTON, D.C.—Each year, the USDA Forest Service sponsors a variety of internships for college students, offering them invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience while contributing to the agency's mission. These internships, often conducted through programs like the Department of State's Virtual Student Federal Service, provide a mutually beneficial relationship that benefits both the agency and the students involved.

For school year 2022-2023, the Forest Service's Emergency Medical Services, Office of Safety and Occupational Health, collaborated with a group of interns in the virtual program. Throughout the internship, these students engaged in a wide range of tasks and projects, fostering their personal and professional growth while making a positive impact within the Forest Service.

The EMS interns collaborated with Dr. Christian Garcia, University of New Mexico, on a project related to EMS encounters during the fire season. The interns' project focused on reviewing and analyzing Forest Service EMS patient care reports and other relevant sources.

In January 2024, the results of their hard work were presented at the National Association of EMS Physicians annual meeting in Austin, Texas. This research poster presentation received a warm reception from conference attendees, highlighting the importance and relevance of the research conducted by these interns. Furthermore, their work has been accepted for publication in a future edition of the Journal of Pre-Hospital Care, solidifying the impact of their efforts on the broader scientific community.

Participating in Forest Service internship programs is a win-win for both the agency and the students involved. The success story of the EMS interns demonstrates how these programs offer hands-on learning opportunities and foster valuable contributions to the agency's mission.