DELIVERING IDEAS — Biomed IV students at Edison High School were tasked with designing more efficient emergency rooms and making presentations before teachers and administrators regarding their innovative ideas. One of the teams to participate in the assignment included Lillie Shane, Ayden Christianson and Kelsey Parrish. Biomed IV is a pathway for students interested in working in the health care field. -- Contributed

RICHMOND — Edison High School Biomed IV students put on their thinking caps and created ways to optimize emergency rooms during a presentation before their teachers and administrators.

Students in JoAnn Stagani’s science program were tasked with establishing plans for improving these types of facilities. She then assigned students to present their ideas in front of school officials.

The students previously heard from Edison alumni Kayla Prokopakis-Campbell of Boardman Community Hospital and Allegheny Health Network, along with Isaac Evans from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 495 in Steubenville. In addition, Trevor Coffy, a flight medic for Stat-Medivac 14 in Youngstown, addressed the students.

Those in the class had an opportunity to visit Trinity West Medical Center, where they shadowed workers in the emergency room and toured the facility’s new fast track area.

“The whole project started with a scenario of when a patient falls ill and comes to an emergency room and then dies in the E.R. while waiting,” Stagani stated. “The students had to come up with a plan for a more efficient emergency room and include a layout, innovation, equipment or software and staffing,” Stagani said. “We had four group presentations that were viewed by teachers, counselors and administrators.”

EDISON AT FRANCISCAN — Biomed students toured the St. John Paul II Library and nursing facilities at Franciscan University of Steubenville to gain research for class. Juniors and seniors visited the campus and were shown resources available in the library and toured the nursing building, simulation labs and lecture halls. Reference librarian John Kristine assisted students in their research, while Annie Board was among those at the nursing lab. -- Contributed

There were 12 students who collaborated within three-person teams. The groups then selected a community, such as an inner city or a site similar to Richmond — where Edison High is located — on which to base their designs.

Among the innovations was a pharmacy delivery system to efficiently administer medication. The idea for a mister to disinfect the room was another idea.

“The purpose was to come up with a way to make the E.R. more efficient,” Stagani added.

This is the first year the Biomed IV class has been offered, Stagani noted. The class was created to help prepare students who plan on entering the healthcare field.

Biomed I focuses on subjects that include forensics, vital signs and charging. The Biomed II class focuses on the human body systems, terminology and developing a physical therapy rehabilitation plan. Biomed III teaches a focus on family genetics, contact tracing and research. The Biomed IV class centers on scientific research.