The Manikin-Based Simulation program at VCOM features a robust set of experiences designed to prepare our students for the clinical environment. As a capstone to the first year of medical school, medical students complete manikin-based simulations that allow them to apply knowledge from all areas of curriculum in a problem based learning modality.
For many, these are the first patients they care for in an emergency situation. Integration and reinforcement of curriculum through the use of high technology simulation continues into the student’s second year with experiences in obstetrics, neonatology, and pediatrics.
Simulators
SimMan 3G / SimMan Essentials
SimMan 3G, a wireless, tetherless, high-fidelity adult simulator manikin manufactured by Laerdal Medical Corporation, is utilized in providing early clinical experiences for our 1st and 2nd year medical students and providing post graduate and resident training. In addition, features of SimMan 3G allow medical students to directly observe the effects certain medications have on the body (such as pupillary dilation or constriction, blood pressure effects, and/or heart rate responses) by utilizing our SimPharm.
SimMan 3G’s features include basic and advanced airway complications, circothyrotomy, bilateral pleural needle decompression, chest tube insertion sites, blood pressure and heart rate assessments, bilateral or unilateral chest rise/fall, eye blinking, pupil dilation and constriction, pulses (radial, brachial, carotid, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibialis, dorsalis pedis), anterior heart sounds, anterior/posterior lung sounds, defibrillation and pacing, wireless patient monitor display with the ability to display labs, x-rays, EKG’s, heart rhythm, blood pressure, pulse oximetry and other media types, RFIDs associated with airway devices and IV medications, QCPR feedback, seizures, and fluid secretions including sweating, crying, simulated CSF from naris and ears. SimMan 3G also has the bleeding modules to demonstrate venous and arterial bleeding.
SimBaby
SimBaby, another product of Laerdal Medical Corporation, is a high-fidelity pediatric simulator designed to introduce 1st and 2nd year medical students, residents, and physicians to clinical presentations found on a 3 to 6 month old infant. Pediatrician faculty utilize SimBaby to assist medical students in applying curriculum to understand pediatric clinical presentations and assessment findings in order to provide correct treatment algorithms.
SimBaby’s features include basic and advanced airway complications, anterior fontanel assessment, various breathing patterns and retractions, heart and lung sounds (anterior only), pulses (left brachial, left radial, carotid, and bilateral femoral), IV arm, IV and IO sites in lower extremities, 3-lead ECG, defibrillation and pacing, patient monitor that displays heart rhythm, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, temperature, laboratory studies, x-rays, EKG, and other media.
SimMom
SimMom is an advanced full body birthing simulator with accurate anatomy and functionality to facilitate obstetric training of delivery management. SimMom is a high-fidelity birthing simulator that offers our first and second year medical students, residents, and physicians a variety of birthing simulations ranging from a normal delivery to managing shoulder dystocia and post-partum hemorrhage. This birthing simulator is designed to create realistic maternal presentations with maternal and fetal vital signs with tocometer readings.
Other features include airway complications, pulses and blood pressure assessment, heart and lung sounds, IV insertion, fundal height measurements, uterine contractions, defibrillation and pacing capabilities, seizures, vocals, and of course, fetal delivery.
SimNewB
SimNewB is an interactive simulator, designed by Laerdal with the American Academy of Pediatrics to meet the training requirements of neonatal emergency medicine and resuscitation courses. With realistic newborn traits and lifelike clinical feedback, SimNewB is ideal for training for the specific needs of neonates.
The simulator helps improve team dynamics, builds confidence and facilitates practice in a risk-free environment. Utilizing SimNewB for simulation-based training allows healthcare providers to improve communication, refine critical thinking skills, and ultimately help improve neonatal patient outcomes.
SimNewB is utilized in conjunction within the Obsetrical/Gynocology and Pediatric curriculum along with resident and physician training. The simulations presented to 1st and 2nd year medical students, residents and physicians offers the clinical training needed to provided rapid assessment and management of the neonate from APGAR scoring to cannulating the umbilical vein.
SimNewB’s features include various airway complications, physiologic modeling representing cyanosis, respiratory distress, and differing fetal movements. The simulator also has the ability to display 3-lead ECG, EKG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, IV and IO insertion, heart and lung sounds, vocals, umbilicus anatomy.