GCU Acting Students Bring Realism to EMT Training
Acting students from Grand Canyon University (GCU) recently lent their talents to support the training of future emergency medical professionals. The GCU students participated in a unique program, acting as simulated patients for Mesa Community College Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students during their final examinations.
GCU theatre students transformed into realistic patients through makeup and prosthetics, portraying a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Senior Cara Gregg, who played a burn victim, found joy in the gory aspects and practiced her screams and cries, seeing it as an opportunity to hone her scare acting skills. The experience pushed many GCU students outside their comfort zones, proving challenging yet rewarding. EMT students responded to these emergencies, receiving feedback from both GCU students and instructors to improve their medical knowledge, composure, and skills.
GCU theatre professor Michael Kary orchestrated this collaboration to provide improv experience for his students and help EMT students prepare for real-life scenarios. GCU students took on diverse roles, such as burn victims, patients with shotgun wounds, schizophrenia, and gastrointestinal bleeds. Senior Cora Epton, who typically plays stage managers, expanded her acting range by portraying a sad, sickly character. Freshman Rhiannon Stuart, who played a patient with a miscarriage, initially found the experience difficult but became engaged once she immersed herself in her role.
The collaboration between GCU acting students and Mesa Community College EMT students proved mutually beneficial. GCU students gained valuable experience in improvisation and pushing their acting limits, while EMT students practiced their skills in high-intensity, medical scenarios. Both groups received constructive feedback, setting them up for success in their respective fields.
