Looking for more effective and efficient training

Underlying the initial investment to implement simulation training into the Center’s training programs, was the recognition that this method would provide more effective and efficient medical training, ultimately improve the quality of patient care provided by the EMS, and increase patient safety throughout the region of Galicia.

Chance of survival following cardiac arrest is four times higher in partly rural, partly densely populated Galicia compared with the rest of rural Spain and the more densely populated inner city of Madrid. Their relatively high survival rate of 14% is partially attributed to the facilitated simulation training, where each and every part of the Chain of Survival is highly focused and rehearsed.

Setting the parameters for required performance

The Galician Authorities have now made simulations a mandatory component of medical training for EMS personnel to advance higher competency levels. Training comprises mostly 9 hour courses during which participants solve 8 different clinical care scenarios. These have been developed to ensure exposure to relevant curricula as well as to make certain that all appropriate staff can experience rare but typical EMS events in preparation for a real encounter. Individual and team performance are both a keen focus, as is protocol training. Pre-qualification tests and personalized, lengthy, instructor-led debrief sessions after each scenario augment the learning outcome gained from the actual scenarios. All this illustrates the fact that the Galician EMS Simulation Center has emerged as a regional resource center in Spain.

Great things come in small packages

Their range of training programs can take place outside the Center or in its relatively modest 60sq meters facility, clearly demonstrating that much can be resourcefully achieved with limited space. Comprising 1 simulation room, 1 control room and 1 briefing/de-briefing room, current training equipment includes 2 SimMan, 2 SimBaby, 1 AV system, 7 ALS simulators, in addition to multiple skill trainers and manikins.

Plans are currently underway to build a simulation ambulance.