WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A southeast-area college has introduced new human simulators to enhance its patient training for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Nursing students. Beginning in May 2017, the simulators started being used at Health Career Institute (HCI) to simulate real-life scenarios, as an enhancement to students’ clinical experiences. Research shows simulation creates a higher level of engagement and retention versus those who are taught via conventional theory and classroom learning.
The new patient simulators, manufactured by Laerdal, are utilized on-site at the main campus in West Palm Beach, and include SimMan 3G, SimMom and SimJunior. SimMan 3G features include automatic drug recognition, light-sensitive pupils and urine excretion, as well as seizure/fasciculation and simulation of bleeding at multiple sites.
SimMom is for training in pre- to post-natal care, including delivering babies, and comes with a fetus. Fetal features include a head designed and tested so it can be used for forceps deliveries (rotational and “normal”) and suction delivery. The simulator also features umbilicus and placenta, fetal heart rate, normal, bradycardia and tachycardia (via software).
SimJunior mimics a six-year-old boy that exhibits a wide range of conditions from a healthy, talking child to an unresponsive, critical patient with no vital signs. This simulator allows learners to focus on a broad range of pediatric skills in order to gain exposure and practical experience with life-threatening pediatric problems. Its features include heart and bowel sounds, blood-pressure circulation, a realistic airway, and chest movement with breathing.
The human simulators bring a crucial training element to the school’s students. “We think that by utilizing the most modern technology in healthcare training, students will be better equipped to handle EMS situations that would certainly be more difficult the first time they experience them without didactic knowledge,” said HCI President Brenda Green. The simulators are available to students enrolled in Emergency Medical Services and Nursing curriculum.
About Health Care Institute
Health Career Institute offers general education courses, associate degrees in EMS and Fire Science, and a nursing curriculum. Its mission is providing education to students, preparing them for a career and/or advancement in allied health. The simulator and main campus are at 1764 N. Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach, Fla 33409. 561-586-0121 .The new Fort Lauderdale-area campus is located at 4850 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 123, in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, 33313. www.hci.edu 954-579-2000. For information on this press release, contact Jill Beaverson at 314-281-4458 or mediashrkpr@gmail.com.
About Laerdal
Laerdal offers a broad range of quality products that help meet the education and training needs of healthcare professionals. Laerdal’s products are designed to fit a wide range of training and educational programs based on individual objectives. A broad portfolio of cost effective, realistic, and clinically accurate products provide the solution to a complete circle of learning. Laerdal is also uniquely positioned to provide quality therapy products with a concentration in airway management and immobilization.