Cervical collars and straps in hand, the Orange City fire and rescue prepared to demonstrate c-spine to biomedical academy students of levels one and two on Friday, Jan. 18.

The lesson engaged students as they practiced properly immobilizing a victim with a cervical injury by strapping classmates onto long back boards that would prevent further damage with transportation from the scene to the hospital.

Biomed teacher Perry “Doc” Revlett brings professionals from paramedics to EMTs into the class to provide hands on experiences and lessons that will benefit students in their lives.

“If you’re going into the healthcare industry, it is important to have this knowledge in your back pocket,” Revlett said. “It allows you to create a resume for yourself and put you ahead of your peers because you already know what you’re doing.”

Even if students do not choose to pursue a career in the field of medicine, they are gaining useful skills that enable them to save lives.

“It feels good knowing I may be able to help someone in an impromptu situation with what I learned,” sophomore Anjali Collins said. “I feel confident practicing c-spine and confident that I will be able to save someone’s life.”