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Empowering Future Healthcare Workers: A First Aid Field Day Success

In an inspiring initiative to cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals, two local non-profit organizations hosted a dynamic First Aid Field Day on Saturday. The event, organized by the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont and the Vermont AHEC Network, attracted high school students eager to learn essential first-aid skills, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare providers in the state.

Key Takeaways

Hands-On Learning: Students engaged in practical exercises, including CPR and triage.
Career Exploration: The event provided insights into various healthcare careers.
Mentorship Opportunities: Participants connected with professionals in the field.

Event Overview

For over 40 years, the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont has been dedicated to supporting young minds interested in health and medicine. This collaboration with the Vermont AHEC Network aims to create pathways for students to explore potential careers in healthcare right here in Vermont.

Ross Johnston, Programs Manager at the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont, emphasized the mission: "Our mission is to help folks find opportunity in Vermont, see that they can stay in this state, and see that there are mentors and professionals they can connect with to build a career."

Engaging Activities

The First Aid Field Day featured a variety of hands-on activities designed to simulate real-life medical emergencies. Participants engaged in:

Hands-Only CPR: Learning the critical steps to perform CPR effectively.
Certification Training: Gaining knowledge and skills necessary for first-aid certification.
Triage Exercises: Practicing how to prioritize care in high-pressure situations.

Tracy Truzansky, Education/Training Director at Northern Vermont AHEC, highlighted the importance of these activities: "It’s really important, especially for high school students in the exploration phase, to help them focus on what matters to them. This helps them understand the type of environment they want to work in, whether it’s a hospital or a clinical setting."

Live Scenario Exercise

One of the highlights of the day was the live scenario exercise, where students applied their skills in a realistic setting. Lanie Billings, Health Careers Program Manager, noted, "We want students to have hands-on experience and learn from up-and-coming medical professionals."

Ila Bullard, a participant from Green Mountain Technology and Career Center, emphasized the importance of practical learning: "Hands-on learning is so important because if you don’t physically try it, there’s no way to know if you can do it."

Alumni Insights

Thomas Halligan, a University of Vermont student and former program participant, shared his positive experience: "In emergency situations, having familiarity with the equipment helps improve access to lifesaving skills. Events like these are essential for getting the next generation involved in healthcare."

Looking Ahead

As the demand for quality healthcare continues to rise, the organizers of the First Aid Field Day are committed to expanding this initiative each year. By inspiring students to pursue careers in healthcare, they aim to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals in Vermont and beyond.