STUDENTS SHOW APPRECIATION DURING
NATIONAL HOSA WEEK

HST students at the Career Tech Center planned a special event for each day of the school week, November 5-9, to emphasize National HOSA Week.  Their first priority was to thank the Bibb County medical community for their support and involvement in the HST program.  Students decided that a single red rose arrangement in a bud vase would be a good way to remind each healthcare worker just how important they are to us.  Students arranged and delivered the bud vases to departments in Bibb Medical Center, Bibb Nursing Home, and all other area healthcare providers in Bibb County. 

Kimberly Hudson stated, "I'm glad that we were able to deliver most of the roses.  A few offices were closed but maybe our news article will show them how much we care,"

Metissa Adolphe adds, "It was good to meet so many people that support us and are looking forward to our clinicals.  I think that's great."

"It was good seeing the banner that the staff at the nursing home made for us supporting HOSA Week," states Eric Underwood, senior HOSA member.

Other activities for the week include a "Flu Season Awareness" day where the students purchased and decorated boxes of Kleenex tissues, attached laminated signs with advice to prevent the spread of flue viruses.

Wednesday, students will assist West Blocton Elementary School with the "Body Trek" program which is designed to teach children to make healthy choices in their lives through a series of interactive activities.  Thursday will conclude National HOSA Week with a Health Fair for students and faculty at the Bibb County Career Tech Center.  Students plan to dress in the attire of their future healthcare profession during the health fair.  Friday is our Veterans' Day holiday, and we hope that everyone will pause to remember and pray for our Veterans on this day.

Former HST Student Zack Syx Visits During Parent's Visitation Day

HST students enjoyed an informative and entertaining presentation by one of our former students, Zack Syx. Zack graduated from West Blocton High School in 1993 and joined Navy in 1994. Zack trained as a Field Corpsman for the United States Marine Corps, he has traveled extensively volunteering his time with such organizations as "Operation Smile." After completing his enlistment, he attended Eastern Virginia Medical School in the Surgical Assistant program.

"I would like to present my first Lab Coat and first Stethoscope to Mrs. Mount in appreciation for the role she played in my life," states Zack.

"This program was a lifesaver for me. I learned so much about the medical field that I still use today. But, above all, I learned to believe in myself," he continues.

Zack demonstrated skills related to surgical techniques, shared medical literature, donated supplies, and related valuable information concerning proper ethical protocol, confidentiality, and legal issues associated with healthcare.

HOSA MEMBERS UPDATE EMERGENCY CARE CERTIFICATION

Students participated in a CPR/AED class sponsored by AM Serv recently.

The American Heart Association has implemented new guidelines for performing CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

HST students were given instructions concerning the importance of high-quality CPR, with particular emphasis on effective chest compressions which provides essential blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body until the heart is able to pump blood on its own. We learned that one main difference in the 2000 CPR guidelines and the 2005 guidelines is the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths. The ratio today is 30 compressions for every two breaths. According to AHA, studies have shown that minimizing interruptions to chest compressions contributes greatly to successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients and that "circulation increases with each chest compression in a series." Although this is vital information, it is only one important detail in the changes of the new CPR guidelines. We encourage everyone to take time to learn more about these life-saving techniques from a CPR class being offered in our community. For more information concerning CPR classes please contact The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, or Mr. James Cochran, Director of AM Serv. HST HOSA members encourage you to "Train in order to Gain."

HOSA ASSISTS RED CROSS STAFF WITH BCHS BLOOD DRIVE

HOSA members served as Red Cross Assistants during the BCHS Blood Drive
recently. Students conducted such duties as Canteen managers, Nurse
Assistants for donors experiencing minor adverse effects of donating,
Nourishment Aides, and Registration Leaders. Participating in area Blood
Drives is an activity encouraged by our State HOSA Project.

HOSA PARTICIPATES IN THE CHILD CARING FOUNDATION HEALTH FAIR

HST students look forward each year to participating the Child Caring
Foundation Health Fair. Students perform Vision Screenings, Blood
Pressure, Temperature, and Pulse evaluations, and Height and Weight
screenings. Working along side Capstone Nursing Students and Instructors
is a great honor.  We enjoy working as a team as we provide this valuable
service to all Bibb County Students.

 BIBB COUNTY NURSING HOME FALL FESTIVAL

HST students enjoyed visiting and "trick or treating" residents during
Halloween this year. The Residents enjoyed seeing HOSA member in costume
as they toured the facilities and became acquainted with the residents and
staff. It was great fun and a valuable experience for all involved.

HST STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN HOMELAND SECURITY DISASTER DRILL

Students in the HST program were exclusively invited to participate in the
Homeland Security Disaster Drill in October. Students played the role of
victims held hostage on a school bus and one of an explosion. "The drill
was so real and I really felt like I was in danger," states Kelsi Martin.
Will Payne remarks, "It was weird...I felt like I was really injured and
that the emergency team was actually trying to save me." The feed-back
from the disaster team was outstanding. The students received outstanding
evaluations for their performances during the entire drill. Several former
HST students were on-site as part of the Emergency Team. They stated that
it was great to be participating in an activity with the currrent HOSA
members.