PIERRE — From informative booths to a heart attack response simulation, there was plenty to engage young people at Capitol University Center on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s called Health care in Partnership with Education Week,” said Penni Case, coordinator, registered nurse and health science teacher at Riggs High School.

“My students demonstrated some skills they’ve learned, taking blood pressure and poison control. We have lots of information for kids heading to college — just trying to spread the word on health care careers.”

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Students and parents also witnessed how law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and emergency room staff respond to a cardiac arrest as the event was played out with a dummy.

Kelbie Frederick, a T.F. Riggs High School freshman, said Wednesday’s event was informative.

“I came because I’m interested in nursing,” Frederick said.

Paige Underberg, a Riggs senior who takes health science, was at the showcase taking blood pressure and giving advice to peers.

“I’ve definitely become more interested in it since I’ve been the class,” she said. “We’ve been talking to a lot of people.”

Consistently cited as a field with needed, well-paying jobs, health care is a good option for many people, Case said.

“There’s such a shortage,” she said. “We really need to get the word out that there’s going to be a shortage, and if we can get them into these careers we’re not going to have such a problem when we get older.”

Those with questions about the field are encouraged to contact Case at Riggs High School or through Capitol University Center.