The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) in Maryland will use a new high-fidelity patient simulator to provide training for their paramedics. As reported by Bethany Cooper at The Dispatch, the purchase of the new simulator was made possible thanks to a $99,000 donation to the fire department provided by the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation.

Officials with the OCFD used the donation to purchase HAL 3201, three mechanical chest compression systems, and training courses. This is part of a longstanding partnership with between OCFD and the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation. Since 1980, the Foundation has provided supplemental funding to the OCFD so they can further the education and training received by their paramedics.

HAL will be used to run training drills that immerse paramedics in a realistic emergency scenario. Thus, the paramedics hone their skills in a controlled environment before they enter a real emergency.

According to Nancy Howard, Ocean City Paramedic Foundation board secretary, “with technology being what it is, this is the latest way for them to be proficient in their skills.”

HAL is equipped with many advanced features so the paramedics will be able to practice a broad range of skills during drills, from routine vital signs monitoring to complex procedures like the placement of an endotracheal tube.

In a statement, OCFD Assistant Chief Eric Peterson said, “HAL is completely wireless…and runs on a very user-friendly interface allowing us to get the most lifelike training possible at our disposal at any time.”   

To date, the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation has contributed more than $800,000 to ensure paramedics receive the best training possible. With the new state-of-the-art equipment, Ocean City paramedics will continue to provide excellent care to their patients and save lives no matter what emergency presents itself.

To read the full article, please visit The Dispatch website. To learn more about HAL or any of Gaumard’s other high-fidelity patient simulators, visit the GAUMARD HOMEPAGE.