Nineteen teens across the Front Range broke into three groups on Friday to explore all aspects of healthcare the UCHealth Hospital could provide.
The tour began outside with a short presentation on the daily jobs of EMS first responders. Jaycee Dismuke, an EMS responder and firefighter, shared that some EMS responders are also firefighters. She said these individuals help extinguish fires and then supply emergency care when people need it. She also said EMS responders have a similar job, except they don’t run into the fire.
Dismuke led a hands-on demonstration that allowed the teens to experience what intubating someone using a dummy is like. Students took turns finding the dummy’s vocal cords using a fundamental technique, Dismuke said.
Groups also visited the emergency department where they learned how traumas are assessed and treated. Some students were able to use an ultrasound machine to follow the protocol used by staff to determine a person’s internal injuries when they enter the trauma room. Students also learned about which medical professionals are required in a trauma situation and the roles they played.
Students were taken upstairs to a conference room where they learned how rehabilitation services play a vital role in patient care. Medical staff asked them to think about how many steps are included in the simple task of brushing their teeth. It turned out that there are at least 23 steps in the process and the staff shared how rehab services have to discover the point at which patients are unable to complete the task and create solutions.
The rehab staff also conducted a relay race. During the race, students were given props that simulated various health conditions they might encounter in rehab services, such as trouble breathing or numbness in the feet. Students put on nose plugs and strapped sponges to their feet to understand how it might feel to have these conditions. The students had to complete tasks that tested their balance, dexterity and cognitive abilities. While many struggled through the course, smiles were seen all around.
After lunch, the students were taken through the hospital’s STOP THE BLEED course. This course works on the principle that stopping life-threatening bleeding quickly can save a life.
The Teen Education Day was designed for teens 14-18 who are interested in a career in health services. While many people know about the roles doctors and nurses play in healthcare, some of the other jobs in healthcare go unnoticed, said Julie Adams manager of guest and volunteer services, retail, Aspen Club and shadowing at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital.
For Adams, the education day provides an opportunity for students to sample multiple disciplines within healthcare at one time.
“It is a great example of how you can find something to do if healthcare is really in your heart and soul … there’s plenty to do,” Adams said.
