McHENRY, MD – The Garrett College paramedic program recently moved a large step forward with the addition of a full-sized ambulance simulator, made possible through the support of the Garrett College Foundation and a generous donor.
The simulator was delivered to the Garrett College Career Technology Training Center in early October by simulator owner Dave Lake, of Frisco, Texas-based Ambulance Simulator, LLC. Since then, GC paramedic program instructors have worked to implement the simulator into their program.
Lake, who serves as a nationally registered paramedic, developed the idea for the simulator after using other pre-hospital care classes to practice on stretchers and medical manikins laid on the classroom floor.
“This purchase is a huge step forward for our program,” said Bob Stephens, GC’s Paramedic program coordinator. “It allows our students to get experience practicing in an environment on a stretcher, load them into the simulator, and treat them. They’re getting the real-life training of working in a confined space.”
“This will be as close to the real thing as we can provide to give them the experience of working in a real-life environment for supporting this initiative financially,” said Stephens.
The simulator is built into a 2018 ambulance that had been donated to the program by Dave’s wife, Lori. It had high mileage but its patient care box was in very good shape.
Over the past two years, Garrett College has been enhancing its paramedic program with state-of-the-art, high-fidelity training tools.
The simulator features a fully equipped patient compartment with cabinets, seating, oxygen hookups, and storage compartments for medical supplies. Manikins used in the simulator are state-of-the-art and can realistically simulate a human being, with a realistic drugs, and cardio monitor, the simulator will add another level of realism. The new equipment helps students to think critically under pressure.
Josh Hook, GC’s lead paramedic program and medical program, emphasized the educational value of the technology.
“This will provide a new perspective and knowledge and skills they’ve learned in the classroom is an integral part of becoming a good clinician,” stated Hook, who started in March. “Learning to think like paramedics and prepare for every possible contingency is one of our primary objectives. I think this ambulance simulator will strengthen Garrett College’s paramedic training program and make our graduates more prepared and confident in high-stakes medical emergencies.”
For more information on Garrett College’s paramedic program, please contact Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel at 301-387-3773 or doug.beitzel@garrettcollege.edu.
