Victoria University has unveiled two multi-million dollar simulation laboratories for its paramedic, nursing and midwifery students at its St Albans campus.
The laboratories are equipped with “high-fidelity” computerised mannequins that have blinking eyes, breathing chests, bleeding arteries and grumbling bowels.
The laboratories replicate real-world situations such as the birth of a baby, heart attacks or life-threatening injuries.
In addition, simulation technicians are able to create even more realistic scenarios by creating and applying mock blood, bodily fluids, injuries or vomit.
Victoria University health simulation director Karen Livesay said the laboratories would help make the university’s students as well-rounded as graduates anywhere.
“One of the things we really aim for in terms of using simulation in our under-graduate programs is that we want students to be as practice-ready as possible,” Dr Livesay said.
“This is an idea of rounding our students out. Not everybody gets to work with children, but we can work with children during simulation.
“We can make complications happen, so when our students get out there, they’ve had practical training to deal with a whole number of different situations.”
The laboratories can be arranged with realistic sets so students are able to practise handling industrial accidents, responding to a crisis at a crowded nightclub or pushing a
stretcher with an obese patient down a narrow corridor.
Video recording and live streaming of the simulation exercises offers immediate and detailed feedback. Dr Livesay said the high-tech facility brought the university into line with the fast-paced industry.
“Decades ago, nurses trained at patient bedsides in an apprenticeship model, which produced task-oriented nurses who knew how to do things,” she said. “Today, they must understand why they’re doing them.
“We’re talking about putting students out there who have the necessary experience to do the job.”
