Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/740238
because it is a simulation, you have a safety rope attached." That "safety rope" Modaber-Alvarado described is precisely what helps students become comfortable with their role and understand the role of others in emergency situations, explains Angel Burba, chair of the emergency medical services program at HCC. "EMTs and paramedics often deal with very challenging situations," said Burba. "Sometimes they are trying to help a person who is confused, has a hearing deficit, or doesn't speak or understand English. Maybe the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In other cases, they are responding to abusive situations or traumatic accidents. Simulation breaks down the barriers and gives students a chance to practice all of the 'what if' situations, including those where everything goes wrong or a number of unexpected issues unfold." Simulations that involve manikins in cardiac arrest also bring students from various allied health programs together to practice. Typically, three to four students observe the scenario, while another three or four are positioned around the bedside, acting as nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical lab technicians. Their patient may express that he doesn't feel well, is having chest pain or dizzy spells. His blood pressure may suddenly drop. He may vomit or have a sudden seizure. The team of students is asked to assess the situation and consult with an acting cardiologist (a role that is played by one of HCC's faculty members) to determine their patient's treatment plan. Should he go to the cardiac catheterization lab for a stent? Does he need bypass surgery? They collaborate, prioritize, and work together as a team to make those critical decisions, with every step of the process captured on video. The simulation exercise concludes with a debriefing meeting, where students can watch their video and engage in conversation with their peers about what they did and why, and what they might do differently when the next patient presents the same medical issues. "Sometimes students will express that they weren't aware that this type of patient would experience certain symptoms. They can be honest in saying they were nervous or didn't know exactly what to do," said Jessica DiPalma, MS, RN, professor of nursing at HCC. "And that's okay. That's why we do this." "Students get excited when they see all of the resources that we have here on campus," said Lana Thomas, nursing and allied health simulation laboratory clinical coordinator at HCC. "They take the process very seriously and learn a lot about critical thinking, prioritization, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership while they are here. In the end, we graduate students who are well prepared and well qualified for a myriad of job opportunities." Learn more about the simulation labs at HCC, see simulation exercises in practice, and hear from our students. Watch this fall's episode of Pathways with Dr. Kate Hetherington on HCC's YouTube channel at youtube.com/hccmd. " Simulation breaks down the barriers and gives students a chance to practice all of the 'what if ' situations. " 8 Howard Community College