HUNTSVILLE – The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing welcomed an important technological training tool to its Simulation & Learning Innovation Center recently: an advanced pediatric simulator funded by a $50,000 grant from the Alpha Foundation plus $10,000 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink
School of Medicine, Huntsville Campus.
“The board of the Alpha Foundation believes that the UAH College of Nursing is a vital
component of the excellent medical treatment and care available in our community,” said John Wynn, Alpha Foundation board member. “The Foundation’s support of the College of Nursing through this grant will enhance the learning experience of nursing students and contribute toward this quality medical care.”
Dr. Karen Frith, dean of the College of Nursing, said she appreciates the support of the Alpha Foundation as well as UAB Medicine.
“I want to thank the Alpha Foundation for its investment in the simulation capabilities of the UAH College of Nursing,” Frith said “Dr. Roger Smalligan, regional dean of the UAB-
Huntsville Campus, is a strong proponent of interprofessional education and collaboration, so purchasing the pediatric simulator is a win for all.”
The simulator, known as Pediatric HAL S2225, is manufactured by Gaumard Scientific and replaces PediaSim, the oldest of UAH’s patient simulators. Housed externally in a large case, PediaSim’s mechanisms required cords, cables and tubes to operate. HAL’s electronics are internal, creating a more realistic experience.
On its website, Gaumard touts Pediatric HAL as “the world’s most advanced pediatric patient simulator and the first capable of simulating lifelike emotions through dynamic facial expressions, movement, and speech.”
Features include “interactive eyes and active facial expressions” and “dynamic lung compliance with true ventilator support.” It also offers the ability to practice emergency interventions: “surgical airway, needle decompression, chest tube insertion.”
“Having a pediatric simulator gives learners an opportunity to hone their skills in interacting with this population of patients in a safe learning environment before they interact with real patients,” said Mary M. Deason, center manager. “The previous pediatric simulator was out of date and malfunctioning.
“Having the new simulator will help UAH better train future healthcare professionals.”
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