Advanced simulation technology helps students and residents prepare for the unexpected.

FORT BLISS, Texas – On February 9, residents, anesthesiologists, operating room technicians, and general surgeons at the William Behammont Army Medical Center participated in a practice that included state-of-the-art imaging technology in the Department of Defense.

Medical professionals developed a multi-disciplinary simulation using a human patient simulator that quickly developed into an emergency. The team had to work in an emergency and properly diagnose and treat the patient.

The human patient simulator was intended for the elderly who underwent orthopedic procedures. As the staff prepared for the operation, a nerve block that affected the patient’s lungs caused the patient to enter the airways.

“Help me, I can’t breathe,” said Manukin in his operating bed. “I’m having trouble breathing.”

Captain Eric Wang, anesthesiologist, went inside to listen to the patient and assured him that everything was fine and that he was trying to calm down.

“I can’t breathe, I’m having trouble breathing,” the patient continued. Wang found himself in an emergency and told staff in the operating room that action must be taken. The OR team decided to bring it in.

Once in, the patient’s blood pressure drops and the reading indicates a problem. The team estimated that the patient was suffering from pneumothorax because of a severe history of COPD. The team successfully treated pneumothorax.

The team described the emergency and discussed what action could be taken in the event of an emergency, for example.

Captain Susan Schultz, a resident of General Surgery, felt that running in such a simulation was a great opportunity to improve their skills, teamwork, and relationships.

“Not only are we as strong as suppliers but also as leaders we are able to lead the class and create emergencies,” Schultz said.

Mitchell Puschet, anesthesiologist, did not participate directly, but looked out the team through the windows separating the operating room and classrooms.

“I think everyone has done well. You are never perfect and you always want to improve, but I have not seen any obvious flaws.
Wang, the leader in the situation, made the impression feel special.

“I was almost used to being a lone wolf. I work on my own, ”said Wang. “It was like a second set of hands or another brain. Only someone who can help you will come and think of other differences or something that may be wrong or misleading. It looks like a sack that encloses with a drawstring.

Anesthesiologist and medical director of the WBAMC simulation program Major Daniel Comersi said: “Practicing in a simulated environment comes with challenges, but the team has done very well.” “They had a great relationship and responded appropriately. They showed great teamwork.

The Commerce Symposium says it provides an opportunity for anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists and student nurse anesthetists to present relatively rare and serious clinical conditions.

“These are not uncommon cases in the operating room,” says Comersi. “They can be very dangerous when we see them, so we need to respond appropriately to prevent injuries and even patient deaths.”

According to Commerce, having an environment where medical professionals can learn and practice safely helps providers grow and become better doctors and nurses, caring for military personnel and consumers.

Impersonation also improves preparedness by allowing professionals to perform critical tasks such as the arteries and chest ducts.

“Impersonation can be a repetition for our employees,” Comersi said.

According to Commerce, the goal of the program is to complete a full simulation once a month, providing regular exposure. This frequency level meets the certification maintenance requirements in the MOCA and allows the WBAMC simulation program to be MOCA certified.

The WBAMC Simulation Center is accredited by Community Health (SSH) teaching and learning. Accreditation distinguishes WBAMC from other impersonation centers because the hospital offers educational opportunities that are in line with the highest academic standards in medical education and simulation.

SSH Certification WBAMC successfully integrates technology-rich environments to meet training needs and improve patient care and readiness.

“Having such a highly loyal coach will definitely help you to see before an accident occurs,” Wang said. “I consider myself a young supplier. It certainly helps to get new suppliers to see it before it happens.

“The current human patient simulator is the most advanced simulation device in Dodi,” Commersi said. “Being a MOCA certified center allows anesthetists to get credit applied to their certification.”

The WBAMC Simulation Center will one day incorporate improved reality. According to Commerce, the practice was a stepping stone to building a more active simulation center.