Mock disaster simulation gives high school students a taste of health sciences
A mock disaster simulation involving a mock multi-car pileup, mock injuries and emergency scenarios was part of a showcase event called HealthSim at AUT South Campus.
More than 150 high school students invited to explore health science tertiary study options at the University’s campus in Manukau witnessed second year paramedicine students and New Zealand Fire Service work together to simulate the Jaws of Life rescuing ‘victims’, provide first response care, diagnose a car crash victim and counsel witnesses after the event.
Year 13 Mcauley High School student Janette Ioane said the mock simulation gave audiences a real glimpse of what happens during an emergency. She said, “It was really cool to get behind the scenes of the simulation and watch the mock disaster unfold in real time. The demonstrators kept really calm and made sure everybody involved was safe.”
High school students also got to participate in interactive workshops put together by AUT’s paramedicine, midwifery, counselling, and health promotion departments to showcase how they jointly delivered the appropriate response to a mock disaster.
The workshops also allowed high school students to explore study disciplines they were interested in, ask lecturers questions and hear current students share their own experience.