LAPLACE — Every other Sunday, St. Charles Catholic senior Marcus Forest heads to Baton Rouge to assist paramedics and EMTs in talking to patients, setting up monitors in ambulances and collecting vital signs.

It all started this year at summer camp, when Forest noticed some of the medics at the campground looked to be close in age to him. After speaking with the medics, he learned they were part of the EMT Explorers program through Boy Scouts of America.

Forest had been an active member of Boy Scouts for years, and becoming an EMT Explorer seemed to be the logical next step in advancing toward a career in the medical field.

Upon returning home from summer camp, Forest signed up for the program. He attended a week and a half of training, where he learned how to take a patient’s heart rate and measure blood pressure. Instructors discussed medical techniques and standard emergency response procedures.

Hands-on learning in the course was followed by practical and written exams.

“After I passed, I was able to get into my uniform and ride in different vehicles and ambulances with paramedics,” Forest said. “I can talk to the patient and the family. Sometimes I’ll help them with smaller things like getting the patient’s heart rate and blood sugar.”

Forest is goal-oriented and hard working, and he knows it will take a lot of rigor and dedication to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.

“I have a lot of goals that I want to achieve in life,” Forest said. “I know opportunities won’t just come to me. You have to work hard and look for them. I want to be a doctor because I’ve always really liked science, and I notice I’ve become more drawn toward medical cases also. I like hearing about and researching medical innovations.”

Forest is no stranger to taking on leadership roles. It’s a quality Boy Scouts has instilled in him, and it’s extended to his volunteer work at Our Lady of Grace Church. This year, he received the Parish Youth of the Year award.
“I’m an altar server, and I really try to show up whenever I’m scheduled and do what the priest tells me to do without any complaints,” Forest said.

At school, he serves as the treasurer and secretary for St. Charles Catholic’s Beta Club. He’s also a member of National Honor Society and co-captain of the drum line.

Forest has enjoyed drum line since he came to St. Charles Catholic in eighth grade.

“The music is fun, but probably the best part is being a family,” Forest said. “Even at practice, it’s just fun to be around each other. I help to support the captain through leadership, and I try to set an example for everyone else.”

National Honors Society and Beta Club require Forest to participate in service activities. As secretary and treasurer for Beta, he has a responsibility to keep club activities organized.

His favorite service activity is called “Cookies with Claus.” Forest and other Comets volunteers recently helped Special Olympics athletes decorate cookies and make Christmas lists for Santa.