P-TECH Students Learn About Emergency Medicine at Shock Trauma
December 10, 2025 Camille Givens-Patterson
The P-TECH school at Dunbar High prepares students for careers in health sciences.
Students from the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in East Baltimore participated Dec. 5 in a campus visit to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the world’s first facility dedicated to saving the lives of individuals with severe, life-threatening injuries.
The P-TECH school at Dunbar prepares high school students for careers in health sciences, offering pathways in areas such as respiratory care, health information technology, and surgical technology, allowing students to earn industry certifications and a tuition-free associate’s degree from Baltimore City Community College alongside their high school diploma, with support from industry partners like the University of Maryland, Baltimore and Johns Hopkins University.
During the visit, students explored the history of Shock Trauma and gained an understanding of the critical concept of the “Golden Hour” in emergency medicine, which refers to the first 60 minutes after severe injury. They demonstrated strong engagement and curiosity, impressing presenters with their knowledge of brain anatomy and functions. The discussion also covered the spinal cord, its structure, and its vital role in bodily function.
Students experienced an interactive session on the dangers of distracted driving, including hands-on simulation exercises under various scenarios. The outcomes of these simulations left a lasting impression on participants.