Mary's Story

While driving to pick up her child from the day care center (Child Care Provider), Mary was involved in a car accident.  The first ones at the scene were police officers and first responders.  When the fire fighters arrived, they used the Jaws of Life to extricate Mary from the vehicle.  As soon as the EMT's could reach the patient, they began to adminster care.  Due to the extent of her injuries, the EMT-Intermediate crew was dispatched to assist.

Upon arriving at the Emergency Room, the ER nurse assessed Mary's injuries.  After the doctor examined her he ordered xrays and lab work.  Mary had her x-rays taken by the X-ray Technician and the blood drawn by the Phlebotomist.  The x-rays revealed a fractured leg and a concussion.  The blood test revealed that mary had no alcohol in her system.  A receptionist (Medical Secretary) completed teh paperwork to admit Mary to the hospital.  After her admission, Mary was prepared for surgery to repair the broken leg. 

While in surgery, the Surgical Technician and Registered Nurse assisted the doctor.  During her stay in the hospital following surgery, Medical Assistants, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Licensed Practical Nurses cared for Mary under the supervision of the Registered Nursing staff. 

Before her discharge, a Health Unit Coordinator set up follow-up appointments with Mary's Primary Care Physician and then directed Mary to the Rahabilitation Department.  The Physical Therapist Assistant instructed Mary in the use of crutches.

Mary scheduled an appointment with her dentist to repair her tooth, which was chipped in the accident.  When she arrived at the dental office, the Dental Assistant and Dental Hygienist Assistant prepared her for the examination.  With her tooth repaired and her other injuries mending, Mary could finally pu the accident behind her.

We must remember that while Mary was receiving medical attention, her car was being towed to an auto repair shop to have a Certified Technician assess the damage to the body and engine and give an estimate of the cost of repairs.  In addition, an Electric Power Distribution Technician team was called to the scene to repair the damaged utility pole and restore power to area homes.  When the EPD Technicians were finished, a Landscape and Turf Services crew arrived to replace the damaged lawn and demolished bushes.

In this scenario, there were only two people directly involved
in Mary's care that were required to have a 4-year plus degree.

This scenario describes how the students trained at a technical college are vital to our society and can greatly affect the lives of others.  We have only commented on a small portion of the jobs involved in this scenario.  Like tossing a pebble in a pond, this event had a far-reaching impact, involving many individuals who had acquired their skills in two years or less at a technical college.