Lejeune HS: School News

NMCCL Welcomes Back the STEM Program

Kristin Lane
Camp Lejeune NC | November 7, 2022

The Lejeune High School students had the opportunity on November 4th to visit the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune for a hands on medical and engineering S.T.E.M. field trip. The students rotated through 7 different stations that concentrated on some of the facilities capabilities. 

Station 1 Ambulance: The students were able to see all the technology that the Paramedics have in the ambulance as well as learning about the certifications and training involved as they are required to be a critical care or flight paramedics. They are also a transport for critical cases and the resources that are require for this kid of life support.

Station 2 Trauma Team: The team talked about injuries and how to stop bleeding, they discussed pressure, packing, and tourniquets. They talked about scenarios and the students were asked, “what you do next?” or “what could you use if?.” They responded with creative answers that were impressive to the instructors.

Station 3 Pharmacy: The Naval Medical Center Pharmacy started with a fun sheet: the students tried to figure out the medications name using just emojis, and they did very well. They explained how they use technology in the lab; robots counting medication, and QR codes on the labels that are linked to videos about the medications. The instructors stressed the knowledge of Chemistry in this field.

Station 4 Laboratory: The hospital is a Level 1 trauma center; they take in any military or civilian in the area that need level 1 care besides servicing the military and their dependents. The lab tech talked about pathology and how the blood and biopsy can tell them what is going on with a patient that has been brought into the facility. Students asked questions about, “where does the blood go?” and “what processes do they use?.” Specifically, a students asked about Sickle cell, what the blood would look like under the microscope. 

Station 5 Decontamination: The students were able to see the tent and PPE requirements. The instructors explained why they were important for different situations. One student even got to try on the specialized suit; he told us it was a bit hot in there. 

Station 6 Industrial Hygiene: The instructor at this station first talked to the students about industrial hygiene, the background they came from, and the education and training involved in the work that they do. The students were also able to see and work with the tools that the workers use to measure the different issues that arise such as sound and ventilation at a job site. They explained the understanding and use of algebra, trigonometry, and chemistry are especially important. 

Station 7 Medical Simulation: According to the students they saved the best for last. The instructor explained that he had a paramedic background and technology training. The students were presented with a mannequin that could be programmed to show symptoms for medical professionals to train with. They were able to check the subjects’ eyes for pupil dilation, perform CPR, and administer electric shock, as well as check for a heartbeat in different areas of the body. They got to see what it would look and feel like if a patient had a collapsed lung.

A special Thanks to Lt. Rondina  (STEM outreach coordinator Naval Medical Center), Mrs. LeAnn Mastropasqua (Science Teacher) and Ms. Lisa Beavers (Sports Medicine/ Avid Teacher)