Innovative Mobile Simulation Lab brings essential training to rural areas

With help from the Saint Thomas Hospital Foundation, Saint Thomas Health is bringing Tennessee’s only mobile emergency medical simulation lab to rural areas. The Mobile Simulation Lab is designed to deliver the most technologically advanced, realistic emergency room and ambulance settings to the state’s rural medical professionals – allowing them to practice emergency medical situations in a safe environment.

“The simulator is set up much like an emergency room, stocked with all of the proper equipment needed for emergent patient care,” said Ranee Curtis, Director of the Saint Thomas Chest Pain and Stroke Network. “The firsthand experience will help bridge the gap between traditional classroom learning and real life situations, allowing students and healthcare professionals to practice their medical skills.”

The Mobile Simulation Lab features SimMan®, a life-sized mannequin that can behave much like a human, with an audible heart rate, palpable pulse, a realistic airway system with spontaneous breathing and humanistic sounds such as coughing and moaning.

The patient simulator comes with a wide variety of case scenarios, where participants are trained to make timely decisions during cardiac, stroke and other medical emergencies. Each scenario is recorded so instructors are able to assess and discuss performances with the participants. Using 3G wireless technology, SimMan® can even be monitored while being transported by ambulance or medical aircraft.

Many rural hospitals and training institutions do not have the means to purchase a patient simulator, forcing healthcare professionals to travel to urban environments to receive proper training. “The mobile lab brings all patient simulator equipment to rural communities, eliminating the need for travel and allowing healthcare professionals to receive superior training locally in a protected environment,” said Ranee Curtis.

The Mobile Simulation Lab and SimMan® were obtained through grant funds issued to Saint Thomas’ Chest Pain and Stroke Network through HRSA’s Workforce Development Grant, which is focused on improving the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in rural communities. By leveraging partnerships with Columbia State Community College, rural Saint Thomas Chest Pain and Stroke Network facilities and integrating collegiate and high school learning programs, the project ensures students and healthcare professionals in rural areas are equipped with the most current technology.

“Getting students involved early is a key factor in promoting rural healthcare as a profession,” said Curtis. “Our mobile lab allows us to bring emergency training to those who are unable to come to us. We look forward to providing a more affordable method of high-quality instruction to medical professionals in rural communities across the state.”