PHOENIX — Phoenix Children's Hospital has taken its training to another level. Medical teams are going through high-tech simulations, to prepare them to care for our state’s youngest, while on the road.
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Phoenix Children’s said their new Simbulance, or ambulance simulator, will not only increase critical emergency care around the Valley, but it will also aid in the transfers between PCH’s growing network of satellite services across Arizona.
The Simbulance replicates the different scenarios emergency medical teams can experience when caring for children in an ambulance. Prehospital providers, transport teams and pediatric emergency medicine fellows are benefiting from the training. Their roles are crucial, as they work to save lives in an ambulance, which can be a big challenge.
There are mannequins that mimic different medical emergencies like swollen airways and respiratory distress. The mannequins assist providers in practicing real-life intervention, while Phoenix Children’s, Dr. Julie Augenstein, said it reduces the risk of medical errors.
“Simulation has been shown for many years to reduce the risk of medical errors by creating a realistic, but controlled safe environment for healthcare providers to practice technical skills, which reduces medical error when it comes to a real emergency because they have experience," Dr. Augenstein said. "They’re comfortable. They’ve practiced.”
Kyle Borg, with the Glendale Fire Department, explained how the simulation prepares their fire and medical teams for emergency response.
“Remaining calm and having that confidence, having that rolodex that you’ve already understood what this incident looks like because you’ve had this real life interaction with a mannequin is tremendously helpful," Borg said.
Phoenix Children’s said a child in a medical emergency might look a lot different than an adult. Many times they have different symptoms, and ways of communicating. So that can lead to different treatments, all which the Simbulance provides innovative training for. It's funded through grants and donations.
The Simbulance will be on display October 28 at the Renaissance, right next door to State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
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