On November 19 and 20, students in the Anatomy and Physiology classes stepped outside the textbook and into one of the most advanced emergency medical facilities in the country—the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for leading trauma care innovations, the center gave students a firsthand look at how life-threatening emergencies are handled when judgement matters most and seconds truly count.
“I was really surprised at how big it was and how controlled everything was,” said Glori Ndalama, a student in the class. “You would expect it to be chaotic, but it was actually really organized.” That calm atmosphere became a recurring theme throughout the day.
The field trip began with an hour-long bus ride, followed by wristbands, introductions, and a presentation with eye-opening statistics. Students also heard from a guest speaker who shared their recovery story—a serious car crash that changed their life—taking 14 years to graduate from college and finish their degree.
“It was very eye-opening,” Ndalama said. The group split in half: one side took the Stop the Bleed training, while the other went on a guided tour of the trauma center.
During the tour, students learned about the process of trauma care. “Right when they get there, the paramedics come through Med-e-Vac or ambulance, and then they go to the surgeons and nurses,” Ndalama explained. “After that, they might need occupational therapy or different recovery therapies.” The visit gave students a clear view of how many different roles are involved in emergency medicine—from response to rehabilitation.
A major part of the trip focused on Stop the Bleed, a national program dedicated to teaching regular people how to control severe bleeding before first responders arrive. Students learned how to respond to external and puncture wounds by direct pressure, wound packing, tourniquet application, and communication with the patient. “We learned how to immediately address wounds through pressure and packing,” Ndalama said. “By the end, we actually received two different certifications.”
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, uncontrolled bleeding can become deadly in just 5-10 minutes. That’s why the national Stop the Bleed organization has already trained over 2.6 million people across 168 countries—with schools now encouraged to participate.
One statistic especially stood out to Ndalama: “If you’re driving at 20 mph and crash, you have the potential to seriously injure six or seven people.”
“The statistics were unexpected,” she said. “That’s what made it feel real—like this isn’t far away. It could happen to anyone.” Glori didn’t hesitate: “100%—this was my favorite part of the class.”
Students left with a deeper understanding of how trauma medicine works—and many shared new interests in fields like nursing, physical therapy, pulmonary medicine, or emergency response. Others simply felt more aware of how quickly situations can change, and how preparedness could save a life.
The Stop the Bleed program actively encourages schools to get involved and even offers free public training sessions. This could be a real opportunity for UHS—especially for Anatomy & Physiology students, athletic trainers, the SEL Club, or Spanish Honor Society.
With just one session, students and staff could gain practical life-saving skills that apply far beyond the science classroom.
This field trip didn’t just explain body systems—it showed how science becomes action, how pressure becomes teamwork, and how ordinary people have the power to make a difference when it matters most.
Because, in a crisis, the closest person may be the first responder.
And after November 19 and 20 — UHS students are more ready than ever.
