Earlier this year, Parkview announced an innovative approach to mobile medical training in northeast Indiana by introducing the Parkview Advanced Mobile Medical Simulation Lab, a fully functional ambulance fitted with medical simulation technology. This vehicle, donated by the Wabash Fire Department, features an 85-pound mannikin that displays a range of human functions, including several pulse points, tears, nasal discharge, sweat, blinking, a blue light that indicates low oxygen and a chest that rises and falls to indicate respirations.
The vehicle also accompanies a dedicated team of technicians, all with a history in the medical field, who develop and facilitate training scenarios using evidence-based research. Recently, the Parkview team decided to take that training outside of the Parkview family. In an effort to provide a higher level of training for basic life support and advanced life support, The team from the Parkview Advanced Medical Simulation Lab began routine exercises with the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
“We were introduced to the mobile sim lab by some of our firefighters who work part-time at Parkview,” Douglas Call, Assistant Chief, Human Relations, Fort Wayne Fire Department, said. “Through this partnership, we have been able to use the simulations to help educate our new recruits and facilitate the continued education of all our current firefighters, on a quarterly basis.”
The ability for Parkview to take this service on the road is an essential perk for the FWFD. “The team goes out to our engine houses and completes scenario training for our crews on site. This is a huge benefit for us. As a department, we are able to leave our rigs in service within their territories and still provide this training opportunity to our firefighters. We typically choose a scenario based on the area of EMS training that we want to cover for that particular month. The Parkview team has a lot of scenarios already developed, however, we will review the scenario of choice, and are able to make any needed adjustments.”
The collaboration shows no signs of slowing. The Parkview team has plans to visit each engine house several times in the coming months. “This technology has brought a whole new meaning to the word ‘simulation’. Our firefighters have found themselves getting wrapped up in these simulations just like they do on real emergencies. The staff at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation has been amazing to work with and I can’t say enough good things about this program. The feedback has all been positive from our crews.”
