High school students participating in the annual weeklong CRASH Course Summer Camp worked alongside health care providers at nine Baptist Memorial hospitals in June. The camp allows high school students entering their junior or senior years to see what it’s like to work in various health care professions, learn the basics of patient care, observe surgeries and procedures, and gain an inside view of hospital operations.
The following hospitals hosted students for CRASH Course Summer Camp: Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Calhoun, Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Leake, Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha County, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City, Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.
Baptist Anderson hosted its second CRASH Course Summer Camp. Students from across the region had the opportunity to shadow team members working in Nursing, the Laboratory, Radiology, Respiratory Therapy and Physical Therapy. Campers also participated in CPR training and a mock trauma response. Dr. Hatem Mourad, chief medical officer, presented information about pursuing a career as a physician, and the Air Care team made a special guest appearance.
Baptist Calhoun held its third CRASH Course Summer Camp with six students from local county schools. Students learned about health care through activities and skills stations that covered a variety of topics, including handwashing, sterile gloves, IV pumps, using an Omnicell system for tracking prescription drugs, hands-on CPR, intubation and ventilation, starting IVs, giving injections, taking vital signs, using lift equipment, bed making, suturing and isolation precautions.
Students also took tours of several departments, including Radiology, the Laboratory and Pharmacy. Campers visited the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station, where they took an ambulance tour, learned how to use an extremity tourniquet and received intraosseous (IO) instruction to deliver emergency fluids when IV access fails. At the EMS station, students also observed a LUCAS device — a portable machine that gives automated chest compressions — demo.
Baptist DeSoto hosted 12 students from seven area high schools for CRASH Course Summer Camp. The experience offered campers the opportunity to collaborate with team members at the hospital and gain insight into the realities of working in health care. Students also got a behind-the-scenes glimpse of hospital operations and built friendships with other students.
Baptist Golden Triangle hosted 17 students who completed 34 hours each of immersive experiences in health care operations. Students gained firsthand exposure to health care careers through a variety of experiences, including clinical shadowing in Radiology, the Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, the Cath Lab, the Operating Room, Labor and Delivery and the Emergency department. Campers also participated in skills day, practicing suturing techniques and starting IVs on mannequins. They also enjoyed a medical-themed escape room.
During helicopter and EMS day, students explored ultrasound technology and intubation equipment and practiced using IO needles on eggs. They also learned about the process of assessing and transporting patients, toured ambulances and gained insight into the critical role emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics play in providing emergency care before patients arrive at the hospital.
For the professional exchange, students engaged in a series of four-minute conversations with team members from several departments to gain insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of health care professionals in both clinical and non-clinical areas.
Baptist Leake provided its third CRASH Course Summer Camp, giving students an engaging, hands-on look at a wide range of health care careers. Participants spent the week observing demonstrations across direct patient care settings, shadowing team members in Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy and meeting with staff from PHI Air Medical and Baptist Ambulance.
Students observed Dr. Jordan Jackson during an injection procedure, and physical therapists demonstrated proper lift operation skills. Staff members also shared their personal health care experiences and the educational paths that led them to their careers. For some friendly competition, students participated in health care “Family Feud” and “Survivor” activities.
Baptist Oktibbeha County provided students with an immersive, hands-on exploration of careers in health care through direct interaction with professionals across multiple disciplines. Students shadowed team members in the Emergency department, Radiology, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, Labor and Delivery, the Post-anesthesia Care unit, the Nursery, Medical-Surgical and Intensive Care. These experiences offered insight into the daily responsibilities of providers and the collaborative nature of patient care.
Participants also attended an educational session in the Laboratory where they learned about diagnostic testing, blood typing and microscopic analysis. During a dedicated skills lab, students practiced fundamental health care techniques, including proper hand hygiene, donning and doffing personal protective equipment, IV insertion, intubation and suturing.
Students also toured an ambulance and medical helicopter, gaining firsthand knowledge of pre-hospital care, emergency treatment capabilities and patient transportation resources. Students completed a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification course, equipping them with lifesaving skills and a nationally recognized credential.
Human Resources representatives shared guidance on job applications, interview preparation and qualities health care recruiters seek in future employees. A local college instructor provided information on higher education opportunities, scholarship resources and strategies for academic success.
The camp concluded with a professional exchange event with health care professionals from across the hospital. The exchange included small-group question-and-answer sessions, which allowed participants to learn directly from clinicians and health care leaders about their career paths, educational journeys and professional experiences.
Baptist Women’s Hospital and Baptist Children’s Hospital hosted 22 students from local high schools with more than 35 team members and volunteers facilitating camp rotations and activities. Students enjoyed special rotations through the Laboratory, Pharmacy, Radiology, Sim Lab, Surgery, Respiratory Therapy, Critical Care Transport, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech, Nursing, Child Life and Security. The rotations helped participants learn more about daily patient care, emergency procedures and career paths.
Campers enjoyed special activities involving infection prevention, compounding custom lotions, newborn assessments, simulated deliveries, mock codes, therapy dogs, vein finder and the “Pink” medical code. Students met with a special speaker from Memphis Challenge, an organization that coaches high-achieving high school students. They also participated in a “Jeopardy” game to wrap up the week.
