|
New simulator to help train ambulance staff AUSTRALIA'S first simulated road accident scene for training ambulance staff has been launched in Hobart, Tasmania.The Simulation and Skills Centre at the Tasmanian Ambulance Service Headquarters was formally opened last month by Steven Kons, Tasmania's Minister responsible for the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB). The new centre means that ambulance educators can now simulate a range of road trauma cases - from car to motorcycle accidents - thanks to advanced technology. "Life-like mannequins can be programmed to respond physiologically to the treatment administered by ambulance personnel," the state's Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings said. "Educators can alter the mannequin's pulse, breathing and heart rate, give it broken bones or even burn injuries. "As a result, ambulance staff are confronted with a realistic scenario and are pushed to the limit," Ms Giddings said. Mr Kons said the state of the art facility was made a reality through a grant from the MAIB's Injury Prevention and Management Foundation. He said maintaining and improving the skills of ambulance staff was critical in minimising the impact of road trauma on both the immediate victims of accidents and the wider community. "It is wonderful to see the AU$175 000 grant from MAIB contributing to the health and welfare of unwell or injured Tasmanians through enhancing the skills of ambulance personnel," Mr Kons said. The Simulation and Skills Centre allows ambulance staff to carry out medical procedures multiple times - a situation out of reach until now. Multiple cameras are installed inside the car, in the ambulance and around the walls to capture and document how staff react under pressure. The footage is then reviewed and critiqued for training purposes. The Centre also allows for a room to be set up, resembling a patient's lounge room or bedroom, to resemble a realistic setting where cardiac arrests and seizures often take place. Trainers can even talk out of the mannequin's mouth from another room - making the situation even more 'lifelike'. Ms Giddings said the Centre represented the best training environment for the State's ambulance personnel to practice and hone their skills. "This new development will benefit the many Tasmanians involved in car accidents every year," Ms Giddings said. Mr Kons said the MAIB had long recognised the importance of road safety and injury management and as a consequence had provided funding grants for three Tasmanian Ambulance Service projects. "The MAIB believes many benefits will flow from such projects, including a reduction in the severity of injuries, an improvement in medical techniques and ultimately a reduction in the cost of road trauma on the Tasmanian community," Mr Kons said. The MAIB funding also enabled a number of ambulance educators to travel to Victoria for simulation training. |
About Us | Our Publications | Shopping | Visa Enquiries | Information Days | Links | Advertising | Privacy Policy
© 2005 Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd.