John J. Pershing staff getting real experience with "Sim Man" | Health

Say the word “Sim” and you may think of a fun game to while away the hours.

But the nurses and staff at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center are using a "Sim Man" to save lives.  And he is no dummy.

According to a news release from the medical center, the simulation mannequin is a “state-of-the-art tool that allows staff to train for various medical situations.

The Sim Man 3G, affectionately called “JP” by the staff, has been specifically adapted for the VA healthcare system nationwide to be compatible with VA’s bedside patient monitors.

“We can make him respond physically to treatments trainees give him, or we can run a pre-programmed situation.  Staff members ‘treat’ him according to symptoms he presents.  They can intubate him, do CPR on him, give him medicines, note and respond to his heart rhythm, or react to a drop in his blood pressure.  There aren’t many skills they couldn’t practice on him, and this helps them be so well-prepared their reactions in real-life situations are practically instinctive.  This is an amazing way for technology to help us provide the very best care for our Veterans,” said Rhonda Acre, veteran health education coordinator.