In a world where many people do not know how to properly administer first aid and CPR, faculty at the Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education (S.H.A.R.E.®) are working to stay ahead of the curve. In March of 2023, S.H.A.R.E. piloted an adult CPR course for School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) employees, led by Simulation Educator Dr. Jeffrey Groom. There, Groom used S.H.A.R.E.’s intricately designed simulation technology and life-like mannequins to mimic for his trainees a real person in need of CPR.
But learning CPR and first aid in class is one thing, performing it in a sudden emergent situation is another. Which is why, nearly three months after the initial training, they tested the employees who took the course in a “Code Blue” scenario. A simulation mannequin was placed in the building, and if anyone came across it, they needed to perform the appropriate skill learned. This test ensured they would remember the skills they learned if an immediate emergency arose.
S.H.A.R.E. took it another step further in June. A course was introduced for employees to learn how to perform infant and adolescent CPR, where special precautions must be taken, and the difference between adult and/adolescent CPR being stressed by Groom. In this same course, Groom taught how to give aid to a choking victim, showing videos of people performing choking aid and analyzing them for the class, who then performed the aid on mannequins. In the fall S.H.A.R.E. plans to launch an additional course specializing in first aid, teaching SONHS employees simple procedures anyone without medical experience/knowledge will be able to administer while waiting for first responders to arrive.
These pilot courses were given to SONHS staff to better prepare them and instill the confidence needed to react in an emergency situation, but teaching them is only the first step. After these courses are perfected, S.H.A.R.E. plans to offer them to the public, working with local organizations to run similar courses that will benefit the community. Courses will also be offered to schools, institutions, and the general public, being in line with SONHS’s “Education for Life” mission.
For questions related to CPR training programs or other programs S.H.A.R.E. provides, or to explore a custom program or event for your organization or school, please reach out to Zuzer Calero, MBA, MALS, Executive Director, S.H.A.R.E. Business Operations, at (305) 284-2709 or via email at zcalero@miami.edu.
