On November 6, 2024, Lara Rahn, a 51-year-old visual arts major at De Anza College, suffered a serious injury while working in the Sculpture Lab. While demonstrating to another student how to bevel metal on a vertical belt sander, Rahn’s thumb was pulled into the machine, severely injuring it. The accident occurred during Patricia Jauch’s Sculpture class, where Rahn, who is an experienced student, was showing Evan Mancuso, a kinesiology major, how to use the equipment safely.
Rahn immediately realized the injury was significant. “I knew that it had hit my thumb because I felt it,” she recalled, explaining how the machine had sanded off the corner of her thumb. Despite the severity of the injury, Rahn managed to turn off the machine and apply pressure to her thumb while Mancuso ran for help. The confusion about whether to call 911 or follow standard procedures delayed immediate assistance, and after being escorted to urgent care, Rahn was referred to El Camino Hospital for further treatment.
The incident highlighted a need for clearer emergency protocols at De Anza College. As a result, Professor Jauch has expressed plans to implement more comprehensive safety measures in the Sculpture Lab, such as safety quizzes and printed safety manuals. Students will be required to review the safety guidelines before using any equipment, ensuring they understand the risks involved. While no protocol can eliminate risk entirely, these changes are intended to reduce the likelihood of future accidents.
Rahn, who has experience working with sculpture tools, acknowledged that even those with extensive knowledge of equipment can have accidents if they aren’t fully focused. “I was not in the correct headspace for the equipment that I was using,” she admitted. Her advice to students is to always approach tools with caution and respect, no matter the setting.
Despite the traumatic experience, Rahn remains committed to her craft. She emphasizes the importance of staying calm during emergencies and asking for help when needed. “Stuff happens all the time,” she said, “and don’t let it take away from your happiness.”
For students who want to learn more about handling medical emergencies on campus, De Anza’s Emergency Procedures guide provides useful information. In case of serious injuries, always call 911 first and then notify Health Services at (408) 864-8732.
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