Medical simulation events benefit students and the community
Hands-on training raises awareness and interest in health care
The CMU College of Medicine’s Institute for Medical Simulation strives to be a center of excellence for medical simulation education and to assist in the creation of a safe, skilled, accessible and caring medical community. With this vision, the Sim Centers in Mt. Pleasant and Saginaw offer a variety of medical simulation services for licensed health care professionals and emergency medical responders throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
In addition to the trainings available to medical providers, the Sim Centers also work with local schools and community organizations to teach lifesaving techniques and encourage young students to consider pursuing a career in medicine. Some of the events designed for young people interested in the health care field include a STEM Event hosted by SVSU’s Chief Science Officer and a hands-on tour for students from the Saginaw Career Complex.
The Sim Centers regularly collaborate with the Mid-Central Area Health Education Center’s Pipeline Program which provides opportunities for middle and high school students to explore the health professions. The students participate in a variety of simulation activities including intubations, delivering babies and Stop the Bleed, where they learn three quick methods to help save a life before someone bleeds out.
In an endeavor to help serve the region and create a community with the best medical care possible, the Sim Centers also partner with Pulse3 Endowment to teach CPR and proper Cardiac Emergency Response. As part of an ongoing initiative with Project ADAM, the Sim Center works with K-12 schools to run emergency response drills and help them develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. Once implemented, the school can receive the distinction of a Heart Safe School.
Regional and community outreach efforts also include a Sim Center presence at the annual Shocks and Saves Charity Hockey Game. Attendees have the opportunity to learn hands-only CPR and how to properly operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Similar training was also provided to the staff and volunteers at the East Side Soup Kitchen to better prepare them for emergencies that may occur at their facility.
