The use of the Human Patient Simulator is just one of the many innovative ways Ornge delivers its paramedic education.
The high-fidelity patient mannequin is a state-of-the-art METI™ Human Patient Simulator (HPS). Built into the curriculum of the ACP(f), ACP(f) Bridge and CCP programs, the HPS is a synthetic patient with dynamic physiological and pharmacological responses that allow the simulator to respond accurately and immediately to patient management activities. It will react, as a human person would, to the administration of medications and to the instigation of invasive treatments. If the patient management plan chosen is accurate, the simulator will improve. If the patient management plan chosen is incorrect, based on the clinical assessment, the simulator will respond accordingly, with a potentially lethal response.
The simulation program provides an innovative, realistic and consistent educational environment to assist in the integration of paramedic skills, knowledge, critical thinking and decision making. Maintenance of paramedic competency is one of the major functions of the HPS. The goal is to teach Ornge paramedics what they need to know in high acuity, low frequency cases, to watch for procedural breakdowns and to prepare them to react. In addition to highly specialized skill acquisition, the simulator also provides a dynamic environment to teach and assess function of individuals in a team situation.