UPDATE: The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has unveiled its state-of-the-art mobile classroom, the “Simbulance,” designed to equip future doctors with vital emergency response skills. This innovative simulator, located in Moultrie, is transforming medical education by providing hands-on experiences that mimic real-life medical emergencies.
Inside the Simbulance, a high-tech manikin named Ricky generates realistic emergency scenarios, including fluctuating vital signs, simulated coughing, and even emergency procedures like chest tube insertions. This cutting-edge technology is part of PCOM’s growing Simulation Center, emphasizing practical learning for aspiring healthcare professionals.
According to Bryan James Arwood, a registered nurse and member of the simulation team, the Simbulance is reshaping how students learn. “We can make Ricky’s pulse weaken, change his blood pressure, even make him talk through a voice system,” Arwood stated. “This gives students a taste of what it’s like to make quick decisions in an ER setting — but in a safe learning space.”
The current manikin, a SimMan 3G, is set to be upgraded to the advanced 3G Plus model, which will enhance realism with fluid simulation, responsive skin, and improved airway management. Each training session lasts between 15 to 20 minutes, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a dynamic and interactive environment.
Arwood emphasizes the importance of these hands-on experiences, stating, “It’s one thing to read about treating a patient, but it’s another to feel a pulse, hear labored breathing, and make those decisions in the moment. That’s where real learning happens.”
As medical education evolves, the Simbulance stands at the forefront, preparing the next generation of doctors for the challenges they will face in the field. The urgency of real-world training cannot be overstated, and PCOM is committed to ensuring its students are ready for immediate application of their skills.
Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative educational tool that is changing the landscape of medical training in Georgia and beyond.
