Teams from the Public Hospitals Authority representing the National Emergency Health Services, Radiology and Occupational Therapy departments created interactive booths that proved popular with students and parents at Nassau Christian Academy’s Careers Fair on Friday March 23.  Hundreds of students, parents, faculty and visitors toured the ballroom at the British Colonial Hilton where various careers were on display.

EMS Technician Cedric Cash spearheaded the National Emergency Services effort exposing students and their parents to the careers offered in EMS and some of the equipment and skills used to save lives during a medical emergency.  Students were invited to help insert ‘heplock intravenous lines’, or bandage open wounds on an artificial arm under the supervision of EMS personnel.

Ms. Latonya Knowles, Occupational Therapist, led a team from Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre’s Occupational Therapy department in a dynamic and highly interactive display.  Students were exposed to some of the tools and techniques used in rehabilitative therapy and enjoyed the opportunity to attempt some of the skills being demonstrated.

The Public Hospitals Authority’s participation in the careers fair is one facet of an ongoing initiative to attract Bahamian students into Allied Health Careers.  The public healthcare system faces an increasing demand for qualified and talented professionals in Allied Health fields such as rehabilitative services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, nutrition, pharmacy and oral health.  Other important initiatives include the Ministry of Health’s Allied Health Cadet program and Nursing Cadet program and the National Careers Month held every October which targets students at all grade levels.