Twelve Independence Primary School fourth graders had an opportunity to visit the Cleveland Clinic Simulation and Advanced Skill Center in Cleveland on April 20. This is part of the school’s year long "Fourth-Grade Student Immersion Project" initiative, where students are given an experience as if they are actually working in a particular field. Several Independence High School juniors also attended.
The first simulation demonstrated CPR. It was facilitated by a respiratory therapist and an instructor from the American Heart Association. The students learned about the use of a glidescope, ambu bag (manual resuscitator), and practiced compressions in a CPR demonstration. Next, they learned about personal protective equipment. This simulation was facilitated by a Cleveland Clinic perioperative nurse educator. Students learned how to put on gloves, gowns, hair bonnets, eye shields and masks and had a chance to wash their hands in a scrub sink. They were fascinated by the black light flashlight that made their germs glow.
Students also were introduced to a manikin. This demonstration was facilitated by simulation operations specialists from the Cleveland Clinic. Students practiced motor skills on the trainer to experience what current technology providers utilize.
Finally, they learned about art and simulation through moulage. Moulage is a unique technique that pairs artistry with medical accuracy so that healthcare learners can have the highest level of realism when treating simulated patients. IPS students were able to participate in a hands-on activity of creating a wound.
Students enjoyed having lunch and then receiving a tour of the Cleveland Clinic building.
“Preparing for this visit has been a four month long process with partnerships between Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, Independence Local Schools, and the Cleveland Clinic education department,” said Career Specialist Amanda Jaronowski, Independence Local Schools. “This was the first time the Clinic has hosted elementary students in its state-of-the-art simulation center, which is generally reserved for medical professionals employed by the Clinic.”
