When emergencies happen, seconds count – and being prepared for the moment can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) is preparing high school students for a range of situations that might happen.
“We’re thrilled to have recently surpassed the milestone of educating more than 2,000 students, and we hope to continue expanding our reach in the years to come,” said Jim Rinehart, director of Clinical Skills and Simulation for NGHS and Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Graduate Medical Education program. “We believe our program is the only one of its kind in Georgia, where we use our mobile simulation lab bus (pictured) to bring the training directly to the schools.”
The idea started back in 2020, when the NGHS Foundation donated the bus to increase educational opportunities. The Center for Simulation and Innovation team spent time developing curriculum that gives students practical, hands-on experience across critical topics including infant and adult basic life support, pediatric emergencies, obstetric deliveries and Stop the Bleed training. The bus was also outfitted with real medical equipment, lifelike mannequins, and supplies to support skills like applying tourniquets and packing wounds to prevent blood loss.
“One of these students may be in a position to save your life or the life of someone you love one day, and this generous community helped make that possible,” said Chris Bray, chief philanthropy officer for the NGHS Foundation. “It’s just another way generosity and financial gifts can support our mission of improving the health of our community in all we do.”
Beyond emergency response education, the program also teaches students about healthcare careers. In fact, members of NGHS’ Human Resources team often accompany the simulation team during school visits to discuss job shadowing opportunities. These efforts have produced tangible results, with over a dozen student participants applying for jobs and being hired at NGHS in 2023.
The educational program has reached students from numerous high schools across the region, including Apalachee, Barrow Arts and Science, Empower, North Hall, East Hall, West Hall, Johnson, Cherokee Bluff, Chestatee, Flowery Branch, Lumpkin County, Stephens County, and Rabun County – as well as high schools in the cities of Commerce, Jefferson, Gainesville and Buford.
Learn more about the Center for Simulation and Innovation by visiting ngmcgme.org/simulation.