Training brings life-saving skills to Libby, Troy medical providers

Simulation in Motion Montana team members Maile Allzer and Charity Stephens conducted a groundbreaking pediatric trauma training recently at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. 

The Sept. 5 training, attended by emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians from Libby and Troy ambulance services, as well as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians, offered a rare opportunity to practice life-saving skills in a controlled, realistic environment.

High-fidelity simulation training uses advanced manikins that mimic real patient responses, including vital signs, bleeding and even speech, allowing healthcare professionals to train in scenarios that mirror real-world emergencies. 

During the session, participants worked through a simulated motor vehicle accident with a fatality, featuring pediatric patients needing trauma care and blood transfusions. The day’s training, conducted four times with different groups, provided essential hands-on experience in managing critical and complex medical situations.

Sara Kaull, Executive Director of Simulation in Motion Montana, stated, “This type of training brings an unparalleled level of realism and practical learning that traditional classroom training simply cannot match. By simulating high-stress, high-risk scenarios, we’re not only building skills but also confidence, which translates directly into improved care for real patients in our rural communities.”

Simulation in Motion Montana is a nonprofit organization that brings high-fidelity healthcare simulation directly to rural and remote areas of the state using mobile simulation labs. These fully equipped units provide a unique opportunity for healthcare providers to practice emergency response techniques close to home, without needing to travel to larger cities or training centers.

The training in Libby showcased the critical role simulation plays in improving patient care, particularly in rural areas where medical emergencies can be more challenging due to limited resources and long transport times. By engaging healthcare teams in lifelike scenarios, SIM-MT helps ensure that communities like Libby and Troy are better prepared when emergencies strike.

Simulation in Motion Montana is committed to enhancing emergency care across the state by bringing advanced, realistic simulation training directly to local healthcare providers. 

With state-of-the-art mobile labs, SIM-MT aims to elevate the quality of emergency medical services in rural and underserved communities, ultimately improving patient outcomes.