The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Orlando Health, and Orange County Public Schools provide hands-on training in bleeding control, distracted driving and burn safety to more than 450 students from Boone High School’s Academy of Health Science, and Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Local high school students added important tools to their medical kits. More than 450 students from Boone High School’s Academy of Health Science, and Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps participated in hands-on training in bleeding control, distracted driving prevention, and burn safety. The full day of learning on January 14 was part of a community outreach event by Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), Orlando Health, and Orange County Public Schools. EAST hosted its 33rd Annual Scientific Assembly in Orlando.
“Trauma is the number one cause of death in young people,” said Hee Soo Jung, MD, EAST. “As trauma surgeons, we believe that in order to tackle these issues we must reach out to our youth and our communities. Our annual injury prevention outreach efforts are one way that we can build relationships with our host communities. We hope that students gained a better understanding of what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
The training event brought together lecture and interactive lab experiences.
“Being part of this hands-on training was an invaluable experience for our students. Our Academy of Health Science prides itself in providing students with real world educational opportunities that are transferable to their postsecondary education and employment,” said Dusty Johns, principal, Boone High School. “Plus, the distracted driving topic is an especially good reminder for today’s teens.”
Orlando Health provided instructors from its adult and pediatric Level One Trauma teams to lead the sessions with EAST members. In the bleeding control training students learned how to respond to bleeding emergencies using different techniques including a tourniquet. During the distracted driving session students learned the importance of focused driving, and the dangers of diversions. The burn safety class highlighted cooking safety, how to use a fire extinguisher and emergency first aid for burn injuries.
In addition to participation in the community outreach event, Orlando Health Boone High School have a longstanding partnership.
“For nearly 20 years Orlando Health has enjoyed partnering with the Boone High Academy of Health Sciences, providing opportunities for work-based learning experiences,” said Angie Laxton, RN, coordinator of academic programs, Student Services, Orlando Health Institute for Learning. “I am particularly excited students were able to hear and learn directly from trauma physicians and staff in this event. Some students from the academy identified with the need to learn and embrace some essential medical skills following the Pulse tragedy. I think they connected the dots regarding how they can contribute to their community and families with medical skills even if they explore non-clinical careers moving forward. What we introduced students to with this event are ‘life skills.’”
