The Paris Simulation Center contains a variety of systems and equipment to support its educational activities. The focal point of the center is our four state-of-the-art computer-controlled patient simulators. Each patient simulator is housed in its own simulation lab, to enable instruction in multiple small groups simultaneously. The simulation center also boasts additional simulators and teaching systems, and we are constantly acquiring more. We have a variety of equipment and supplies to enhance the “suspension of disbelief” during the simulation sessions. The physical layout and dedicated audiovisual systems make this a truly effective teaching space.

Patient Simulators

The Paris Simulation Center currently houses four Human Patient Simulator (HPS) systems, produced by CAE Healthcare. The HPS system is a state-of-the-art, computer controlled mannequin. The student works with the mannequin as if it is a real patient, using real equipment, while the operator controls the “patient” from within a separate control room. The HPS reacts realistically to the actions of the student, and the student assesses the patient during the exercise.

In addition to our four adult mannequins, we have a pediatric mannequin that can be used with any of our HPS systems. We also have three portable ECS (Emergency Care Simulator) systems, produced by METI. The ECS system contains most of the functionality of the HPS system.

The following procedures can be performed on the mannequins:

• Administer simulated drugs
• Assess and manage airways, including intubations and difficult airways
• Perform tracheotomy and nasal intubations
• Needle decompression *
• Pericardiocentesis *
• Insertion and use of a chest tube *
• Insertion and drainage of a Foley catheter *
• Patient assessment using a standard ICU monitor
• Patient assessment through a “twitch” monitor

*Adult mannequins only

For more information on CAE Healthcare please visit their site. This is a link to an external Web site.

Other Simulators

In addition to the patient simulators, we have additional physical and software training aids available at the simulation center. We are also actively working to acquire additional teaching tools.

We have the following training aids at the center:

• Artery arm –practicing artery catheters placement
• Vein arm – practicing IV and catheter placement
• Vein hand – practicing IV and catheter placement
• Noelle delivery simulator
• Pelvic examination simulators
• AirSim airway training simulator
• Ear exam simulator
• Eye exam simulator
• Central line training mannequin

Center features

The Paris Simulation Center has four simulation suites. Each suite consists of a simulation lab with an HPS system, a control room, and a classroom. See our floor plan for the layout of the center.

Each lab is large enough to comfortably contain several pieces of equipment, as well as eight to ten students. We typically have the mannequin on a bed or stretcher, a ventilator, one or two carts, and other miscellaneous items in a lab during a teaching session.

With our available equipment, the labs can be reconfigured to suit the particular needs of the teaching session. For example, to simulate a patient room in respiratory therapy, we can put the mannequin in a hospital bed, and put a bedside table, over bed table, and a patient ventilator also in the room. For surgical simulations, we can put the mannequin on a surgical table, and put an anesthesia ventilator, patient monitor, anesthesia cart, IV poles and instrument trays in the room.

The integrated audiovisual system enables us to videotape activity in the simulation labs. Each lab has a ceiling mounted and a wall mounted camera. The image on the patient monitor can also be recorded. The A/V systems enables broadcast into the classrooms, as well as replay of taped sessions. This enables debriefing of the session with the students.

The A/V system can also be used as a computer monitor, for presentations and computer based demonstrations.