Mario, Aubie, Sonic, Bunny, Bear and children were “patients” at the second annual Elmore County High School Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by HOSA.
Eclectic Elementary School kindergartners lined up as parents of their favorite stuffed animals for the high school students to check out. The high schoolers took vitals and X-rays while asking the kindergarteners questions they might hear in a medical office.
“We want to help them feel more comfortable going to the doctor, dentist or hospital,” HOSA sponsor Wanda Baker said. “It helps my students who are thinking about going into a medical career. They get to practice their skills, taking blood pressure and other vitals, talking to a patient through fun activities.”
Cliff Williams / TPI HOSA students showed the kindergartners X-rays of their stuffed animals.
The “patients” got ID armbands and were admitted to the ECHS emergency room. Symptoms were noted, vitals taken. Everyone got X-rayed.
Then it was to be in the waiting room before donning PPE for surgery, where the high schoolers assisted the kindergartners removing objects from boards and teddy bears.
Managing the mass of kindergarteners mimics the stress a medical professional might be under in a hospital or doctor’s office. The program also emphasized healthcare practices the youngest can do at home, such as brushing teeth.
