Electronic mannequins a first for regional New South Wales

In a first for regional NSW Port Macquarie Bachelor of Nursing students will be able to test their skills on electronic mannequins that can simulate cardiac arrests, bleeding and other injuries.

Southern Cross University is introducing the electronic mannequins as part of a three-stage development of a computer simulated clinical learning laboratory at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The first stage of the development, a video conferencing facility, was opened last year.

Southern Cross University Bachelor of Nursing course co-ordinator at Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie Ms Wendy Hampshire said the mannequins were the first and only mannequins of this sort to be used in undergraduate nursing programs in regional NSW and would provide a unique training opportunity for the students.

The first of the mannequins will be on site for testing on Monday (February 5).

“The advanced practice mannequin for the third-year students can go into cardiac and respiratory arrest, as well as range of other clinical scenarios," Ms Hampshire said.

“Students will be able to practise in a simulated environment and analyse their responses before they go out on supervised clinical placements.”

Southern Cross University staff are working with an international informatics consultant to implement the mannequins, which are operated using Bluetooth wireless technology. The first of the mannequins will be ready for use by students during semester one.

“This provides unique educational opportunities for tomorrow’s health professionals, embracing the use of emerging technology across the spectrum of health care. In addition, the project will see the foundation for ongoing education and research opportunities for registered nurses and other health professionals,” Ms Hampshire said.

Photo opportunity: Monday, February 5, 1pm, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Southern Cross University Education Centre.