Chapter Spotlight: Leprechaun Life Saving

Friday, March 17th, North Hall High School HOSA celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with drinks, food, and hands-on learning. Hands-on learning involved how to “Suture Leprechauns.” Students were able to learn proper protocol when presented with a laceration on a leprechaun. This involved practicing suturing and bandaging leprechauns (bananas) with Surgical Lister Bandage Shears, Needle Driver 5”, and nylon monofilament training thread. Through hands-on practice and real-life demonstrations, members were able to learn proper techniques when executing continuous sutures. These techniques include proper handling and hand placement while using a needle driver and how to hold and thread a surgical needle, along with learning the anatomy of a surgical needle. They also learned how deep sutures need to be placed for proper closure. They further learned the proper spacing of sutures and the attention it takes when working with a delicate surface to allow for proper healing. Skills learned in this activity are directly parallel to skills and techniques our future healthcare professionals will need in order to succeed in the healthcare field.