Simulation Training

Simulation training offers a safe space to develop communication skills, decision making skills and teamwork. It allows the testing and trial of new equipment and processes without any risks to patients.

Simulation is often done ‘in situ’ meaning that the simulation is conducted in the same or similar environment that the patient is cared for. Here our volunteer doctors were supported by University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and East Midlands Ambulance Service to run a simulation session involving the treatment of a patient with a severe chest injury, his immediate management, pre-hospital intubation and transfer into the ambulance. 

Our team wanted to run this simulation to test out new PPE, practise donning in a time-critical fashion and see what changes needed to be made or barriers they faced. It allowed them to identify the communication difficulties that arise from wearing level 3 PPE in the pre-hospital environment and how to overcome these. 

This simulation was run alongside colleagues from EMAS who then had the chance to debrief with our doctors in a way that sometimes isn’t possible in real life situations. Furthermore, our ‘patient’ was a medical student with an interest in pre-hospital medicine and the ‘first responder’ was a new EMICS trainee who will be joining our training programme soon. This type of exercise facilitates learning, collaborative working relationships and encourages development. 

EMICS | East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme