Plan for the worst
TSTC Surgical Technology student Alexandria Benavidez (right), acting as an injured patient, is helped by firefighter Lilliana Nacianceno during an emergency drill on Oct. 12 at Valley International Airport. (Courtesy photo by TSTC)
Special to the NEWS
HARLINGEN, TX—More than 130 students from Texas State Technical College’s (TSTC) Harlingen campus participated in an emergency drill staged on a closed runway at Valley International Airport on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Some of TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Nursing, and Surgical Technology students collaborated with first responders from the South Texas Emergency Care Foundation, Harlingen Fire Department and other area agencies for the exercise.
The students played the parts of airplane crash victims and were transported to Harlingen Medical Center and Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen and Brownsville.
“I learned a lot from this experience, such as how and who to respond to,” said a TSTC Nursing student, Kimberly Pacheco. “It was amazing to see the work performed by the medical professionals and their critical thinking decisions.”
Jairus Castillo, of San Benito, is studying for a certificate of completion in Emergency Medical Services – Advanced EMT AEMT. He said the exercise gave him a different perspective.
“After experiencing this scenario, I feel for how long a patient has to wait for help,” he said. Amy Rubio, of Palmview, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She said the exercise was worthwhile.
“You gain a clear sense of how a patient feels,” she said. “Patient care is vital in these circumstances, and treating them like family is important.”
Bryan Wren is assistant director of aviation for Valley International Airport. “(The students) learned an ideal situation from a victim’s standpoint of the initial incident, being transported by ambulances at the scene, and the final triage stage at both area hospitals,” he said.
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