Simulation in paramedic education

Simulation, in its various forms, has become a fundamental component of creating a competent and confident clinical practitioner.

Currently, the amount of empirical research regarding its impact and efficacy in paramedic education is limited. However, paramedicine is a relatively new discipline in UK universities, and it is only recently that a degree was required in order to qualify one to become a paramedic. In addition, prehospital emergency care is also an under-researched field of study. Given these two factors, it is to be expected that research regarding the impact of simulation on education is limited.

Keele University and its new Paramedic Science MSci programme uses simulation to develop the skills and confidence of its prospective practitioners, as do many paramedic programmes throughout the world. The large Keele campus has a variety of locations that can be used to offer students a real-life environment to enable the development of their skills. The paramedic science staff, the medical school, and the university have worked hard to gather equipment and personnel that can add a further level of realism to scenarios that are developed for simulation-based training. These include a training ambulance, a car that has been specially modified to be broken down into various sections to allow for road traffic collisions and extrication training and many other differing pieces of equipment such as the iSimulate that acts as the equivalent for a LifePak or Zoll monitor and defibrillator. The University is continually looking to improve facilities for students by developing areas of the university for simulation purposes.