Southwest equips students with life-saving skills

Southwest High School students are learning how to save lives and more about health professions in one class. 

The school’s Introduction to Health Science class teaches students the history of healthcare and skills like basic medical terminology. The course also allows participants to receive their Red Cross certification in CPR, AED and first-aid to care for adults, children and infants for two years. 

“I think it's important. So, we all have the background knowledge to help someone if they're having a life emergency and they need help because then we can keep on using it throughout our lives,” Southwest senior Brogan said. 

“I think that everybody should learn these skills,” Southwest teacher Kay Burbach added. “You never know when an emergency can happen. Actually, they say that it's more likely you will respond to your family member's emergency before a first responder will.”

Students also practice skills like applying tourniquets to stop severe bleeding and how to rescue someone while they may be choking. The class not only equips students for emergency situations but also for their futures. 

“I eventually want to go into a health career, which I feel like would be beneficial,” Southwest senior Nataly said. 

 

The class is an elective, which is offered to students in grades 9 - 12. After completion, students can use this to prepare themselves for The Career Academy Health Sciences pathway.

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