Eau Claire Family Medicine Residents Practice Clinical Skills using a Human Patient Simulator

Eau Claire Family Medicine residents practice their ACLS skills using a computerized Human Patient Simulator. Dennis Breen, MD coordinates their learning which includes:

• Resuscitation
• Intubation,
• EKG interpretation
• Cardioversion

The Human Patient Simulator is one of seven models, including pediatric and OB, owned by the Chippewa Valley Technical College, with whom Eau Claire Family Medicine Residency has been sharing state-of-the-art facilities since 2005.

"I like the realism of the model," explains Dr. Breen. "He blinks, responds to medication and oxygen, and bleeds. Our residents can intubate him and use a gas analyzer to ensure the tube is in the right place. They can start IVs and monitor his response to treatment. His pupils even react to light."

The model can be pre-programmed to different clinical scenarios and over 60 different medications. Residents may perfect their skills in a low-stress virtual health care environment. "I like having the chance to practice my emergency skills when no one's life is on the line. I think we should do this every month," suggests resident Wael Mourad, MD.