Student First Responders

The start of Code Team gives CNA students an opporutnity to practice nursing from in school.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Smith

Above: CNA students, members of the code team, stand in front of an ambulance.

By Wil Auld

Radio and Podcast Editor

Teacher and nurse Elizabeth Smith started a first aid response program called Code Team where students in this program are able to be hands on with real world injuries and accidents. “We have been lacking clinical exenrolled in the Health Occupations pathway are able to hone their nursing talents in a safe environment. Students perience and haven’t been able to go to clinical sites,” Smith stated. Due to the pandemic, medical students have been deprived of their opportunity to participate in internships at the local hospital. To give her students the chance to practice clinical Smith became inspired to start the program.

“Everyday there are two students available who carry a first aid bag and a radio,” said Smith, “if there are any injuries or medical issues they will be able to respond.” Not only can this program benefit medical students but it also helps those in need of assistance. The school nurse does not reside in the school and is often outside the town, so it takes longer for her to arrive on scene. In this situation student responders are at the school to take vitals and administer basic first aid to the student before the nurse arrives on scene.

Senior Lily Gammon, a student on the Code Team said, “At first I was nervous, but I was happy that I had another person with me.” Gammon received the radio call and met her first patient in the office being the first medically trained responder on site. She treated the student and watched over them until the school nurse arrived. “He was basically fine” said Gammon, “but I’m still grateful that I had this opportunity.”

Though the students are limited in how much they are able to help students., they still gain valuable experience and keep students safe during medical emergencies. When in class or in the halls, make sure to watch out for the student first responders. They can be Identified by their Code Team T-shirts, First Aid kits, and radios. Thank these students for their service.

ACTS OF SERVICE

SHS has outlets for students to participate in service projects throughout the school year.

By Ali Terry

Social Media Editor

Service projects are a great way to give back to the community and practice selfless acts. Throughout the year, Sandpoint High School participates in and starts many service projects.

A well-known annual fundraiser, Toys for Tots, is a service project that Sandpoint High School proudly participates in during the winter. The Toys for Tots mission is to provide toys for less fortunate children at Christmas. This year Sandpoint High School raised $8,529.36 for the cause and the community of Sandpoint $92,188 total surpasing the Sandpoint Lions Club’s goal.

Being a part of the Key Club is another great way for students to get involved in participating in service projects. Luera Holt, the Key Club organizer, said the Key Club is possibly one of the oldest clubs at SHS “We volunteer for many activities within our community and participate in Key Club International’s project which usually encompasses service work in another country that is in need, fresh water project, vaccinations, etc.” said Holt

Locally, this club participates in the Festival of Trees to raise money for Kinderhaven and in projects such as the Salvation Army, clean up at Camp Stidwell, and help out with any community events such as the 4th of July and Lost in the 50’s parades.

This month, the Interact Club started a food drive to raise donations for the food bank. They promoted prizes as incentives to donate non perishable food items. For every item a student brought they recieved one raffle ticket. The first prize is a $75 Amazon gift

Photo by Ali Terry

Above: donations for the food bank were accepted by the Interact Club this month.