Raft Day: Finding the Limit

Have you ever been a patient on Raft Day? Thank goodness St. Lawrence University Emergency Medical Systems is there to help. On a patient-by-patient day, student workers have no higher-ups to report to, as their focus is to get you the care you need. They do not report what goes on to the school. They are present to help their fellow peers and enjoy the event themselves.  

I met with Jackson Howes four days after this year’s event, to discuss his Raft Day experience working for SLU EMS. A Denver, Colorado native and a SLU legacy, Howes is in his third and final year. As a dual government and math major graduating early, it may come as a surprise for many that Howes had no intention to be a part of EMS before coming to SLU, nor did he have any of the training.   

There comes a time each semester when the opportunity rises for everyone on campus at the student club fair. Howes took an opportunity during his first year here at no cost and has been grateful ever since. He began by signing his name, and before he knew it, he was training to become a first responder. In his sophomore year, Howes took a course at Clarkson University, where he became a certified Emergency Medical Technician for all of New York State. He not only works for SLU EMS, but he also works for Potsdam.  

As a long-standing attendee myself, I came to Howes with curiosity. What does it mean to go to Raft Day when you’re on the job? “I really enjoy working Raft Day,” Howes explained, “what I’m doing helps people feel more at ease when they go.” Those working SLU EMS take preventative measures as well as responding. Along the road of Park St. as attendees march to the river, SLU EMS is there with a tent and an abundance of water bottles that many students take advantage of along the way. One of Howes’ favorite interactions when working Raft Day is those that occur during the water bottle exchanges. He appreciates the kindness and gratefulness he sees from his peers as he feels a sense of pride in his work.  

When asked about the culture behind the event, Howes had nothing but good things to say. Although “some people find their limit that day,” he assured that can mean a multitude of things, ranging from one’s alcohol intake limit to one’s walking limit as many attendees become patients due to tripping over their own two feet. In the rare case that medical assistance beyond SLU EMS abilities arises, they would then contact higher-ups for assistance, but this has not been the case in Howes’ experience in his time here.  

“I think raft day is a fun day for everyone,” Howes remarked, “it makes me feel really proud.” Howes went on to say how being a part of SLU EMS is the best thing he’s done at college by a huge margin because he is practicing community service, helping his fellow classmates feel safe and healthy, all the while enjoying our college experience together. When walking to class, as he passes by those he’s helped in the past, an overwhelming sense of pride becomes him as he knows the role he played in their life, not just here on campus.  

Whether you’ve found your limit on Raft Day or not, I hope you remember the role SLU EMS plays for the event and for the attendees. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible go thank an EMT!