SIM-SD: Bringing EMTs, paramedics, nurses and doctors in rural South Dakota hands-on training in their own communities
JAN 23, 2012Healthcare education in general, but more specifically, simulation training, is an exciting journey. With advances in technology, medical knowledge and research, and emerging leadership, there is no end to that journey. The road never ends. Instead, it invites those willing to invest in it to come and see where the road will take us. Simulation in Motion - South Dakota has taken many giant strides forward on that road in 2011 with Mobridge Regional Hospital & Clinics and Mobridge Regional Ambulance Service. The road is rough and rocky, but we trek on. Our iStan (patient simulator) adult, pediatric and infant mannequins require much time, effort and knowledge to keep them going through a barrage of injuries and illnesses, most of which are severe.
Yet the Mobridge staff has shown they are willing and able to tackle the responsibility of serving our region and bring this educational opportunity to surrounding hospitals and ambulance services. The Mobridge SIM-SD team has taken iStan on the road and has provided education in Lemmon, McIntosh, Mobridge, Leola, Timber Lake, Ipswich, Campbell County, Hoven, Eureka, Bison, Isabel and Bowdle. They also took the lead role in bringing SIM-SD to the annual South Dakota EMT Association conference held in Aberdeen. This conference provided education for personnel from all over the state. In attendance at the various training sites visited were approximately 86 EMT-basics, 12 EMT-intermediates, five EMT-paramedics, three EVOC drivers, four first responders, 12 RNs, one LPN, four PAs and one DO - totaling 128 students.
As the SIM-SD program continues to grow and as Mobridge Regional Hospital & Clinics and Mobridge Regional Ambulance Service continue to find their place as regional leaders willing to make the investment and make a difference in our surrounding and outlying communities, all we have to say to our future students and participants is, "you ain't seen nothin' yet! "
We are excited about what we will be able to offer in the months and years to come.