“”Students from the School District of La Crosse’s Health Science Academy (HSA) received emergency first responder from members of the La Crosse Fire Department.
Two dozen students were introduced to the community health role of the La Crosse Fire Department through discussion and real-life scenario training. The training covered public safety information and emergency medical services. Members of the fire department spent the morning teaching the students about what equipment a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) will carry and use and the skill sets and education needed.
“For kids interested in health care careers this is the first link in that chain,” said La Crosse Fire Department firefighter and EMS trainer Jordan Shackleton. “If someone needs to access the healthcare system as a patient due to a 9-1-1 call for an injury or traumatic event the fire department, EMS, or ambulance crews are the people who have first contact. This is a great opportunity to give these students a real look into that system to help them make decisions on a career choice by having hands-on experience in the field.”
Students then participated in a simulated emergency scenario of a mass casualty event. The students were given a basic introduction to how the patient triage system works. When the scenario began, there were several mock patients in need of emergency care. The patients had information cards with details about their injuries and current medical status.
“Not many people get to do this,” said Logan High School senior Chloe Barth. “I want to be a nurse so it’s been really cool to get this hands-on experience before going to college.”
Based on what was learned earlier in the day, the HSA students had to categorize patients by immediate treatment needs and who could have services delayed. The patient injuries determined how students administered active treatments such as bandages, tourniquets, and giving oxygen and transported the patients as needed.
“What sets us apart from other programs in the state are the community partnerships we have,” said Health Science Academy instructor Nahmie George. “The entire community of La Crosse has embraced the HSA and show us how much they appreciate our program by offering awesome experiences like this. They bend over backward for us, for the kids, and that’s really what it’s all about.”””””[vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/xmCFGVDI13w” align=”center”]””