Simulator "Gives Birth" in Indiana

Dec. 14--TERRE HAUTE -- Thirty-six weeks pregnant and about to give birth, Noelle Smith couldn't make it to the hospital in time -- so emergency responders prepared to deliver the baby in an ambulance.

"This is not supposed to happen," the distressed 37-year-old told those in the ambulance. "I'm really scared."

The responders carefully moved her from a pickup truck to the ambulance, checked her vitals and started an IV.

And soon, they were taking two patients to the hospital, rather than one.

Actually, they drove around the block and then prepared to deliver another baby, the fourth simulation of the day.

It was all part of learning scenarios that took place in a Union Hospital parking lot. Noelle is an electronic patient simulator that mimics actual medical conditions and can "give birth."

The Rural Health Innovation Collaborative Simulation Center conducted the in-the-field exercise in conjunction with Ivy Tech-Wabash Valley's Paramedic Program, Union Hospital and Terre Haute EMS.

The 21 Ivy Tech students, already Emergency Medical Technicians, are studying to become paramedics, said Barry Nicoson, program chairman of paramedic science at Ivy Tech-Wabash Valley.

He presented the four scenarios to the students and monitored how they did. "This is awesome," said Nicoson, also a Terre Haute Fire Department firefighter/paramedic. "We're doing exactly what we need to do to educate our students."

Recently, the students have been learning about "special considerations," which include obstetrics and pediatrics.

One of the simulated deliveries involved a mother who had not received prenatal care and had a known history of meth abuse. Plus, the baby was in distress because of a low heart rate and too little oxygen in its body. In that scenario, the boyfriend driving the woman to the hospital ran out of gas and had to call 911 for help.

The Terre Haute Fire Department provided the use of an ambulance for the exercise.

Others involved included Jeanna Bumgardner, Union clinical educator in labor and delivery, who also is a registered nurse. She served as Noelle's "voice" during the simulated deliveries.

Jack Jaeger, the simulation center's director, acted as Noelle's boyfriend/husband. In fact, Noelle wore his real wife's clothing.

Jaeger said Tuesday's training was the first "in-the-field" simulated baby deliveries. "What a great opportunity for students," he said. "It's very realistic, and it's something the students won't forget when they are out there trying to care for real people in real life."

Kevin Flinn, 21, an EMT with Transcare, said the training exercise "was very helpful. ... It gives you as close to real life as you'll get until it really happens."

Another student, Patrick Davis, 42, said the training "gives us an opportunity to work through scenarios and situations that might occur in real life." Already an EMT, he works for Care Ambulance.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.

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