Fake bodies save lives

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect; the 48th Medical Group has taken this concept to a new level by creating a Simulation Center of Excellence, an education and training program for medics located on the hospital campus.

The center uses a wide variety of scenarios, including life-like mannequins, better known as "patient simulators". Unlike traditional mannequins, patient simulators are incredibly sophisticated training tools that can blink, breathe, cough and even bleed.

"The concept of simulation training is not a new one," said Col. Lynne Taylor, 48th MDG chief nurse. "The flying and nuclear communities have long recognized the advantages of this kind of training, which provides a safe and realistic environment where active learning, repetition and feedback can take place."

The simulations allow trainees to be placed in a myriad of medical emergency scenarios. New medics who have been extensively trained but have not yet used their skills in real-life situations could greatly benefit from working in simulated real-life scenarios.

"I get to practice what I've learned, then take it back to my patients and do things right the first time," said Airman 1st Class Nichole Lubbers, 48th Inpatient Squadron medical technician.

Other members of the 48th MDG were asked about the impact of their training using simulation and all agreed that simulation training had increased their ability to give a positive contribution to the team performance.

"Training using patient simulators is paramount; especially dealing with a trauma situation in a combat environment," said Tech. Sgt. Heather Yates, 493rd Fighter Squadron medical technician. "Reducing the time it takes us to figure out what we're going to do can save a life."

Due to their extensive education and training program the 48th MDG was chosen as the top sim center to serve all of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

"The 48th MDG has won best hospital in USAFE three times running, won best medical services two times and I think the simulation center helped achieved that," said Tech. Sgt. Victor Malone, 48th MDG clinical education and training NCO in charge. "It's an honor to serve all of USAFE."