Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy students came upon what appeared to be a car crash, including an injured individual and multiple witnesses.
The scenario, however, was part of the senior capstone project for the school’s programs to prepare students for public service careers.
- The event brought together students from the emergency medical services, law enforcement, 911 dispatch, and forensic science programs to see how specific skills are used in the field.
Why it matters: Principal Jason Ginoza said the mock scenario is meant to prepare the students for industry certifications and to give them a perspective on the careers they are pursuing.
- “Making it as realistic as possible is important,” Ginoza said. “It is a proud day for us to watch our students perform and compete with confidence.”
The real-life situation took place at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Joint Emergency Training Center.
- The students were shadowed and evaluated by personnel from the Metropolitan Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, Clark County School District Police Department, Henderson Police Department, and Community Ambulance.
The students admitted to a few jitters early in the process, but they were confident in their skills by the end and thankful for the advice provided by the teachers and law enforcement partners working by their side.
What they’re saying: “My heart was definitely racing,” said senior Alex Koopman, who served as a law enforcement officer in the scenario, investigating the crash as the paramedic team treated the victim.
- “It was a calm environment, yet there was so much going on. With my second pass-through, I more so knew what to do.”
Go deeper: Learn more about this skills test by two contributions from the CCSD Communications Unit: Bryan Callahan’s story and Richard Pedzik’s short film.
