Henry Daily Herald

Special Photo Fifty firefighters from the Henry County Fire Department are scheduled to take part in training sessions with a Laerdal SimMan 3G, a patient simulator mannequin.

The education department at Piedmont Henry Hospital is helping firefighters train for emergency cardiac care scenarios, using the Laerdal SimMan 3G, a patient simulator mannequin that is said to be so advanced it is very similar to a real-life patient.

Throughout the summer, approximately 50 firefighters from the Henry County Fire Department will participate in training sessions held at the hospital that focus on unresponsive cardiac patients.

Eric Barker, media specialist who works in the PHH education department, said the training initiative helps to enhance firefighters’ response in cardiac cases, while promoting a “team approach” to care.

“From this initiative began a partnership with Piedmont Henry Hospital, to use our Simulation Training Lab to assist with their training,” said Barker. “By using our simulation lab they are able to walk their staff through various cardiac situations encountered in the field learning to better respond and plan accordingly.

“Our simulation lab also allows the instructor to keep a detailed log of everything that happens during the scenario so, at the conclusion of the scenario, the instructor and learners can go over each aspect of care and can highlight successes, and look for opportunities for improvement,” Barker continued. “Piedmont Henry Hospital is happy to assist with this project that will ultimately help provide better care to our patients and the community.”

“Our firefighters will be able to take their skills to the next level by using this equipment for training,” said HCFD Captain Jim Nelms.

The hospital’s Laerdal SimMan 3G, a wireless simulator, provides real-time feedback on compressions, generates a pulse, bleeds, cries, experiences convulsions and responds to medications, according to Piedmont Henry’s Public Relations Specialist, Michelle Nunnally.

“Piedmont Henry Hospital employees purchased the $75,000 Laerdal SimMan 3G through donations given to the hospital’s foundation during the 2009 employee campaign,” said Nunnally.

For more information on Piedmont Henry, visit piedmonthenry.org.