Unity Reed High School
Public Safety
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a two-credit course designed for students interested in becoming an EMT. Students explore and apply the fundamentals of emergency medical services (EMS), anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while demonstrating skills in assessing and managing patient care, including the understanding of medical emergencies, trauma, shock, and resuscitation. Students must complete a minimum of 85 percent of the didactic and lab aspects of the course. Successful completion of all course requirements may lead to eligibility to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Students must meet the requirements of the Functional Position Description for the Basic Life Support Provider.
Students will learn how to treat and manage patients with various traumatic injuries and medical conditions. They will then participate in rotations with real paramedics outside of school hours where they will utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills. These rotations are required to be eligible for the optional certification testing after course completion.
It is important to note that final eligibility for national registry certification testing is determined by the course education coordinator and the EMS physician.
Application Information
Specialty program applications will be accepted November 2, 2026 - February 1, 2027.
Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.
Who can apply?
Students currently in grades 10 (a limited number of seats in Firefighting may be available; students currently in grade 11 may apply just for Firefighting).
What are the acceptance requirements?
In good academic standing
- Definition: passing all classes at Semester 1 of the current school year
In good attendance standing
- Definition: not chronically absent - ie, not missing 10% or more of school
In good discipline standing
- Have had no discipline record for the past 12 months for the following PWCS Code of Behavior Offenses: Bullying and Cyberbullying, Fighting, Disruptive Behavior, Hazing, Prohibited Substances (Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping), Vandalism or Other Damage to School or Personal Property. Have had no discipline record ever for the following PWCS Code of Behavior Offenses: Alcohol Use and Possession, Arson, Assault and Battery, Bomb Threat, Gang or Gang-Related Activity, Harassment - Including Sex-Based Harassment, Prohibited Substances (Drugs, Alcohol, Marijuana), Theft, Threats Against Students and Staff, Weapons
Learn More About the Public Safety Program
Program Information
Transport Program
Students in the Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician) program begin the day at their base school and are transported to Unity Reed High School. Because the program continues through the end of the school day, students may take an express bus or a bus back to their base school in the afternoon. The bus returning to the base school arrives after regular buses have departed but allows students to participate in after-school activities. Students may also drive if they meet the requirements, obtain a parking permit from their base school, and contact Unity Reed High School's office regarding its parking requirements.
Firefighting
Firefighting requires discipline and attention to academic and professional standards to successfully fight live fires, address hazardous-materials (HAZMAT) incidents, and conduct search-and-rescue operations. Students will become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and technologies used by fire departments. This course challenges students academically, mentally, and physically and meets the standards of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001-2013 leading to the opportunity to obtain a Firefighter I certification. This is a one-year program of study for seniors and is a total of three credits.
Application Information
Specialty program applications will be accepted November 3 - February 1.
Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.
Who can apply?
Students currently in grade 11.
What are the acceptance requirements?
In good academic standing
- Definition: passing all classes at Semester 1 of the current school year
In good attendance standing
- Definition: not chronically absent - ie, not missing 10% or more of school
In good discipline standing
- Have had no discipline record for the past 12 months for the following PWCS Code of Behavior Offenses: Bullying and Cyberbullying, Fighting, Disruptive Behavior, Hazing, Prohibited Substances (Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping), Vandalism or Other Damage to School or Personal Property. Have had no discipline record ever for the following PWCS Code of Behavior Offenses: Alcohol Use and Possession, Arson, Assault and Battery, Bomb Threat, Gang or Gang-Related Activity, Harassment - Including Sex-Based Harassment, Prohibited Substances (Drugs, Alcohol, Marijuana), Theft, Threats Against Students and Staff, Weapons
Learn More About the Public Safety Program
Program Information
Transport Program
Students in the Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician) program begin the day at their base school and are transported to Unity Reed High School. Because the program continues through the end of the school day, students may take an express bus or a bus back to their base school in the afternoon. The bus returning to the base school arrives after regular buses have departed but allows students to participate in after-school activities. Students may also drive if they meet the requirements, obtain a parking permit from their base school, and contact Unity Reed High School's office regarding its parking requirements.
Firefighting Program Overview
Unity Reed High School is proud to partner with Prince William County Fire and Rescue to offer Firefighting I and Firefighting II. This partnership provides opportunities for students in 12th grade. Firefighting is also an available Career-Related Study for students in URHS's IB Career Programme.
Check out this video about our Firefighting Program!
Check out this video about out EMT Program!