When Mike Arendt, a Chilton educator and football coach, decided to pursue emergency medical training, it wasn’t for a career change. It was to be ready when someone needed help the most.
Born in Port Washington, Wisconsin, and a graduate of UW-Oshkosh with a degree in Physical Education, the now Chilton-based teacher has built his life around helping young people succeed both on and off the field. But after a traumatic incident early in Mike's teaching career when a student collapsed during football practice and had to be resuscitated with CPR and an AED, he realized how critical it is to be prepared for the unexpected.
“That experience stuck with me,” Mike said. “One of the other coaches was an EMT and helped guide us through what we needed to do on scene. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to be ready to help in any situation.”
That drive led Mike to enroll in Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training at Fox Valley Technical College, followed by the more advanced EMT certification course.
But his motivation runs even deeper. On October 11, 2002, Mike's father tragically passed away in one of Wisconsin’s deadliest car accidents. “Even though I know there was nothing that could have been done, I’ve always had the desire to help people who can’t help themselves.”
The journey from educator to EMT wasn’t easy. Despite his years of classroom experience, Mike was surprised by how intense and time-consuming the EMT course was.
“It was way more challenging than I expected. At times, I felt like I was drinking water from a firehose,” he said, laughing. “The coursework, the clinical ride-alongs, the national boards exam- it was a lot, but also incredibly rewarding.”
Mike credits his instructors at FVTC for inspiring him to take the next step after his EMR course. “They reached out and encouraged me to keep going. That support made a big difference.”
Though he hasn't yet worked on an ambulance as an EMT, Mike remains active as an EMR with the Chilton Fire Department and appreciates having the skills to assist when needed. “Just being able to stay calm during stressful situations is something I’ve taken into every part of my life — especially coaching and teaching.”
When asked what public service means to him, his answer is simple: “Putting others first and doing what’s best for them.” It’s a philosophy that shapes both his work in the classroom and on the field, and now, in the broader community.
Mike encourages young people to consider emergency services as a career. “It’s incredibly rewarding, and there’s always something new to learn. Honestly, if I had started in EMS earlier, I’m not sure I’d be teaching today.”
While he doesn’t plan to leave education full-time, Mike hopes to keep his EMT license active and possibly work part-time for a service when his schedule allows. “If nothing else, I know I can be an asset to my school and community.”
His biggest takeaway from the journey? “I’m proud that I showed my daughters it’s never too late to challenge yourself and pursue something you care about.”
And Mike's advice to anyone considering the EMT path? Do it! It might feel intimidating, but it’s worth every bit of effort.
If you’re considering a career in emergency medical services and want to make a difference in your local community, the journey can begin this fall at the FVTC Chilton Regional Center.
The Emergency Medical Responder course starts in September and features a flexible hybrid format with both in-person and online learning.
The second course to become an EMT will be offered in the spring of 2026.
To learn more, call 920-549-4416, email chiltonreception@fvtc.edu, or stop by the center.