Providers, Staff at VCHS Participate in High-Tech Training from Statewide Mobile Simulation Lab

ORD, Neb. – More than 30 providers, nursing staff and paramedics from Valley County Health System (VCHS) participated in medical and trauma training at VCHS in a new statewide mobile simulation lab on Oct. 10.

With grant funding from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) rolled out four trucks – Simulation in Motion-Nebraska (SIM-NE) – earlier this year to bring state-of-the-art, hands-on training to rural critical access hospitals and healthcare professionals across Nebraska.

“The SIM-NE bus is a very valuable tool that helps train staff for difficult situations. Having staff prepared for any situation that may arise is our primary goal,” VCHS Nurse Manager Amy Jackson, RN, said. “Tools like SIM-NE help keep staff engaged as well as up-to-date on the latest technologies, point of care and protocols. Nursing, paramedics and providers all took away great key points from this simulation.”

Each truck is outfitted with a simulated emergency room and ambulance, pre-programmed medical scenarios, patient vital sign monitors, recording and playback capabilities and computerized manikins, which talked, breathed and responded to medications and other participant actions. The simulation included use of common medical and emergency equipment, including cardiac defibrillators, stretchers and resuscitation equipment, too.

“The high quality, computerized manikins and other features are the next best thing to real scenarios,” Jackson said. “Thanks to the Helmsley funding, the state of Nebraska is gaining hands-on training and providing educational scenarios to help deliver the best patient care and outcomes.”

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Pictured: SIM-NE truck at VCHS on Oct. 10