UNMC SIM-NE program to resume in-person training

The UNMC Simulation in Motion-Nebraska program (SIM-NE) will resume in-person training across the state beginning June 1. SIM-NE staff suspended in-person training in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SIM-NE staff use four customized, 44-foot-long trucks to provide state-of-the-art training to enhance lifesaving skills at the request of emergency medical service (EMS) organizations and health professionals at hospitals in rural areas across the state.

The trucks feature a simulated emergency room and ambulance with mock drugs and medical supplies, as well as high-tech, computerized patient simulators that can talk, breathe, have heartbeats and react to medications and other actions of the learners. In the truck’s control room, staff can program medical and trauma scenarios with the simulators with audio and video recording and playback capabilities for feedback. Vital signs of the patient simulators are displayed on heart monitors and defibrillators.

“The trainers and staff of SIM-NE are excited to begin on-site training again,” said Doug Dekker, program manager of SIM-NE. “During the pandemic SIM-NE was not able to safely deliver our on-site training. The program has been able to deliver highly relevant and scientifically-based information to our rural providers virtually, but there is no substitute for the best practice simulation training that SIM-NE delivers in-person,” he said.

Dekker said in addition to in-person training, SIM-NE staff will continue to offer four monthly, individual virtual training sessions and, if requested, group virtual training sessions.