EMT students train on trauma situations at Bainbridge State College

emt1 — Bainbridge State College EMT students, Kahdesia Harvey and Kolbi Whitfield, both of Cairo, practice stabilizing a gunshot wound victim. Cosmetology student model: Shelley Powell of Climax.

Bainbridge State College EMT students, Kahdesia Harvey and Kolbi Whitfield, both of Cairo, practice stabilizing a gunshot wound victim. Cosmetology student model: Shelley Powell of Climax.

Recently, Bainbridge State College’s EMS Professions Diploma Program teamed up with the Cosmetology Program to assist Emergency Medical Technicians, Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics in gaining lifesaving training in the Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course.

The 16-hour course was developed by the National Association of Medical Technicians to better improve critical thinking in multi-trauma situations. It specializes in helping train responders to react more effectively when seconds can mean the difference in life or death.

During the course, the Bainbridge State College Cosmetology Program provided student actors with realistic injuries. By utilizing their artistic abilities in dramatic makeup, the students were able to replicate emergency scenarios to look as authentic as possible.

“Special effects makeup is not something we get a chance to practice on live models very often,” said LaDonna Thomas, Instructor of Cosmetology, “Especially something as specific as patient wounds. The students have a great time working in teams to create the best trauma patients possible. It is a rare opportunity for two completely different programs to work together in such a way. I hope our programs will continue to collaborate while providing all students an effective learning environment.”

Cosmetology student, Melissa Zaham of Donalsonville, puts the finishing touches on the special effects makeup model, which portrays a motorcycle accident victim: Brianna Haggins.

The EMS Professions Diploma Program offers the PHTLS course to all upcoming graduates enrolled in the program.

Charles Avery, EMS Professions Program Coordinator, said, “This has been a great experience. By working with the Cosmetology Program, we were able to create realistic injuries and traumas the EMTs will experience during their careers.”

These collaborations are serving the students with an effective learning strategy, and an overall positive experience for both programs.

“Anytime two programs can come together to help students better their educational experience, it is a positive for the students, programs, the College and community,” said Angela Rozar, Chair of Practical Nursing and Allied Health at Bainbridge State.

Currently, the EMS Professions Diploma Program and the Cosmetology Program are accepting students for the spring 2016 semester.