Ohio National Guard News

Ohio National Guard medical unit supports Center of Science and Industry event

Story by Spc. Brittany Schuster,
Unit Public Affairs Representative


COLUMBUS, Ohio—Soldiers from the 285th Medical Company participated in the Grossology Exhibit Feb. 20, 2010, at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) here after receiving a request. The exhibit focused on the “gross” parts of the human body – those that are not frequently talked about.

Topics covering what causes people to vomit and why we pass gas were just a few of the things that the kids learned about when visiting the center. Other groups, such as pharmacy students and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, were also invited to set up tables in the COSI atrium. The event drew about 3,000 people that day.

Children who stopped by the table set up by the 285th were invited to play a blood trivia game created by one of the medics. The questions taught the children facts about blood and offered them the opportunity to earn prizes for participating and answering questions correctly. 

The kids were also taught how to take a person’s blood pressure and listen to their own heart beat with the help of Pfc. Eric LaDow.  Staff Sgt. Andrew Brace, along with LaDow, explained how much blood the body contains by showing the children bags of intravenous (IV) fluid colored red to make it look real. The kids also got to see what Army medics use when taking care of patients who need medical attention.

Some visitors shared their misconceptions about blood, with some believing if they gave blood it was just gone. They did not realize the body replenishes itself, and was the reason they had never given blood, even though they said they knew it is important.  Many of the medics said they were happy to clear up the misconceptions and educate the public

Staff Sgt. Andrew Brace (from left), Spc. Brittany Schuster and Pfc. Eric LaDow man their booth Feb. 20 during the “Grossology” event at COSI in Columbus. (Photo by 1st Lt. Stacy

Pfc. Eric LaDow demonstrates how to control bleeding on an arm with an Israeli trauma bandage Feb. 20 during the “Grossology” event at COSI in Columbus. (Photo by 1st Lt. Stacy Dervin)

Children visiting the “Grossology” event at COSI in Columbus Feb. 20 look at a display of intravenous fluid bags that represents an approximation of the amount of blood in an adult body. (Photo by 1st Lt. Stacy Dervin)