| Emergency
simulations are run
St. Mary’s Hospital conducted two mock emergency scenarios last week in their Emergency Department in conjunction with the Idaho Simulation Network, Life Flight and other agencies. Prior to the events, ED staff attended two webinars offered by ISN and the Oregon Health Sciences University to prepare for the scenarios. Pediatric programmable manikins were used to simulate both a blunt trauma accident and a pediatric blood infection. 
“The educational webinars were very helpful in preparing us for the actual mock events,” said Iris Hawley, SMHC Quality Coordinator. “The hands on sessions were invaluable in honing our skills and increasing the communication between team members. We had a debriefing afterwards to analyze how well we did, as individuals and as team members.” According to Hawley, the blunt trauma exercise involved a mock ATV rollover accident with a five year old ‘patient’ suffering a ruptured spleen. Four Critical Access Hospitals in north central Idaho including St. Mary’s, Boundary and Benewah Community Hospitals participated in these simulated exercises presented by the ISN and Idaho Emergency Medical Services and supported by the Idaho Hospital Association and the Office of Rural Health. Participants also received TeamSTEPPS training which is an evidenced-based program aimed at optimizing performance among teams of healthcare professionals enabling them to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations. “Involving our ambulance and EMT crew and Life Flight allowed us to make sure everything between these entities functioned smoothly,” said Hawley. “It was a great learning experience for all of us. Changes in technology mean more advanced training opportunities.” The SMH Emergency Department is staffed by the family practice physicians who also staff the SMH clinics. “Most of the patients we see are treated and released or admitted to our facility, but we are fortunate to have access to ambulance or air transport to other facilities when the situation is warranted,” said Hawley.  |
 |