Stan was crossing the street when he was struck with the full force of an oncoming car. He was taken to hospital and dumped at the front door, before the driver took off.
“I hurt all over,” he said. “Am I gonna die?”
Kelly Barry, a registered nurse, leaned in.
“Nope,” she said calmly. “You're doing just fine.”
Luckily Stan is a life-sized robotic doll voiced by a STARS flight paramedic, who was sitting in the control room of a simulation bus used to train a variety of health-care professionals at the Innisfail Health Centre Nov. 27. The scenario was just one of about 100 that is used to update staff skills and teach them new ones.
“It's hands-on experience for a true trauma or emergency,” said Laura Robitaille, manager on active care and emergency at the hospital. “The guy breathes and there's a pulse and everything.”
It's important to make sure skills are up to date, she said.
“It comes about every two years through the community,” she said. “Things are always changing in the emergency field.”
Stan inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. He can be given medication and be hooked up to an IV.
Cindy Neibauer, health-care aide, said this is her second time doing the training, noting it helps improve teamwork, and gives practice working in stressful situations.
“It's to increase your skills,” she said. “And it's interesting.”
Barry Nesterchuck, a licensed practical nurse, shone a light into Stan's eyes after the other staff members had given the doll Maxeran and morphine.
“I can't take the pain anymore,” Stan said.
Nesterchuck provided reassurance.
“We'll take care of you,” he said. “You're with us now.”
