The medical field is fast paced, and new allied health graduates need to be armed with more than book knowledge when they begin work. Human patient simulators allow students in the health programs at Greenville Technical College to confidently deal with critical patients and uncommon symptoms by allowing them to practice for the day they’ll encounter these situations in real life.
A $70,000 gift from John I. Smith Charities has allowed the college to purchase two new Laerdal SimMan ALS manikins along with critical care beds to support the simulators. These new models join 14 other simulators in the college’s Simulation Technologies and Training (STAT) Center, where students in the Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Radiology, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Dental Assisting and Hygiene, and EMT/Paramedic programs participate in over 10,000 simulated patient contacts each year.
“We are grateful to John I. Smith Charities for once again ensuring that our students have advanced tools for learning,” said Ann Wright, vice president for advancement with the Greenville Tech Foundation. “John I. Smith Charities has stepped up to help us meet equipment and classroom needs countless times, and we know that their gifts are creating well prepared graduates who apply their skills at work and benefit the entire community.”
The STAT Center, established in 2009, is home to simulators ranging in age from newborn through adult. There are also high-tech CPR mannequins that give objective feedback as to the efficacy of skills performed by the learner.
“We are happy to support Greenville Technical College and its STAT Center,” said Elizabeth Clayton, a member of the board of John I. Smith Charities. “These simulators reduce medical errors by giving students the chance to practice procedures safely. Contributing to that valuable experience is important to us.”