Nightclub fires and roadside crashes can now be emulated for vital paramedic training in a clinical simulation centre in St George’s Hospital.
Opened by Sadiq Khan, MP for Tooting, on Tuesday November 24, the centre will be used to train the next generation of paramedics in south west London.
The centre includes uses 3D to emulate real-life situations so students can practice responding to emergencies. There are also two life-sized fully fitted rear sections of ambulances.
Purpose-built rooms, such as a kitchen and bathroom, will enable paramedics to practice in domestic settings.
Mr Khan said:
Paramedics play a vital role in our NHS, often being the first person a patient sees, and that it is why it is so important that their training is world class.
I was incredibly proud to be asked to open this state of the art virtual paramedic training centre. It is great to see St George’s University of London, leading the way, and helping to deliver the next generation of fantastic paramedics London needs.
As a potential patient, this facility makes me feel safer. The simulation suite can recreate the noise and chaos of a nightclub. Students here will be the best trained graduates in the country with this simulation training.
We love this university, St George’s, and the hospital.”
The facility is based in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education run jointly by Kingston University and St George’s, University of London.
Professor Andy Kent, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education and Pro-Vice Chancellor, said:
The Paramedic Clinical Simulation Centre is a new approach to paramedic education and training and our investment in specialist equipment including the immersion room makes it a unique facility of its kind within a UK university.
It gives students the opportunity to gain vital hands-on training in a true-to-life setting, with sensory stimulation provided through interactive projected walls, light, sound and visual effects all adding to the authentic feel of their learning.
If we need to teach them how to treat a fractured ankle in a nightclub, for example, complete with noise, music, smoke and people, we now can recreate this environment and immerse students within it.”
