Latexo ISD receives boost to its Health Science program

EDITOR’S NOTE: The spelling of the device described in this story is correct. “Manikin” refers to a human body simulator used in healthcare demonstrations. It is not to be confused with “mannequins” that are used to model clothing.

From Courier Staff

LATEXO – Latexo ISD recently received a new addition to its Health Science program: a $20K Laerdal patient simulator manikin. 

According to Health Science Teacher Krystal Patterson, the manakin provides an opportunity for students to practice interaction with a patient in a clinical setting.

 The manikin will be primarily utilized by the Practicum/Clinical and Health Science Theory classes, but it will also be available to other LISD medical classes. 

Students can check pulse rates, heartbeats, and blood pressure using the manikin. They can listen to the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Students will be taught how to take basic vital signs, which can be monitored on a computer screen, showing EKG rhythms and possible abnormalities. They will also learn how to identify emergency situations and provide life-saving assistance for someone in cardiac arrest. 

The manikin is interactive and can be programmed to exhibit “real-life” reactions. As students work their way through different “patient” scenarios, the manikin can speak or respond by crying, coughing, wailing, groaning, wheezing, or even going into respiratory distress. Laerdal manikins provide an excellent opportunity to build a solid foundation in the medical field for high school students.

Julie Redmon of Laerdal Medical spent two days at LISD training on the use of the manikin. 

“As they progress through the programs Latexo offers, students can practice skills to obtain a certification and begin working after graduation. I travel around the country teaching classes and see many simulation centers,” Redmon said. 

She added that Latexo ISD is “committed to providing a world-class opportunity for its students. It shows in the simulation center that they are developing. They are keeping up with the same standards as much larger schools. It was a pleasure to work with people who are so committed to their students and school.”