Clark State Community College Emergency Medical Services program will soon have an ambulatory simulation rig (SimRig™) training tool to provide students a realistic environment when they are on an emergency call.
“The SimRig™ allows our students to learn and practice skills in an environment built to the specifications of actual ambulances. Students have the opportunity via video cameras to observe and learn from each other as well as their instructor,” said Dr. Rhoda Sommers, dean of Health, Human and Public Services at Clark State. “Using simulations as part of the learning process helps reduce errors and improve performance in real-life situations. We are confident the acquisition of the SimRig™ will better prepare our students to serve our region as emergency medical personnel."
The SimRig™ was funded by the Perkins Grant and will be located in the Brinkman Educational Center in downtown Springfield. It will be available to students by fall semester of this year. The goal of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 was to develop the academic, career and technical skills of secondary and post-secondary students enrolled in career and technical education programs.
The SimRig™ is built to precisely mimic a real ambulance. The back door and bumper are built to the actual specifications of road-ready ambulances to allow students to efficiently practice loading and unloading stretchers and performing life-saving procedures in a limited space.
The SimRig’s™ enclosed design allows students to experience “still” learning to overcome environmental distractions. The accurate design allows for students to experience the hardships of working within the confined space of a real ambulance before their first day on the job.
Emergency medical services are expanding rapidly with more opportunities developing for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Although working in EMS has traditionally meant working for a fire department, rescue squad or ambulance, there are also positions in education, management, research publishing, communications, support services and health agencies.
Clark State’s program introduces students to a variety of emergency care situations and experiences both in the hospital setting and on emergency vehicles. Both day and evening courses are available.
Clark State offers an associate degree and several certification programs. The certification courses may be taken separately or in conjunction with the associate degree program. This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates, which will automatically be awarded if the certificate requirements are met.