Simulating a whole patient for class teaching

In the University of Hertfordshire Intensive Care and Emergency Simulation Centre (HICESC), the authors are developing a facility for training nursing and paramedic students in emergency procedures, within both accident and intensive care contexts. At present, the authors use commercial ALS manikins for CPR training and to introduce nurses to monitoring signs associated with conditions such as cardiac arrest, ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals can be monitored directly and a carotid pulse can be palpated. Procedures built into the manikins as purchased include attachment of ECG electrodes and defibrillation (both at fixed terminals) and intravascular access. The teaching scenario is like a normal laboratory class, with one lecturer and up to 20 students