Valor Health Hospital, in conjunction with Idaho Simulation Network, performed a time sensitive emergency training simulation in March. Valor had been training for three months for the 2-day simulation, which focused on communication, transport, hospital quality and protocol. St Luke’s Health Systems provided the simulation technology resource. Gem County EMS and Life Flight Network were on site, providing patient transport during the simulation.
Time Sensitive Emergencies include heart attack, trauma, and stroke. The simulation performed at Valor focused on a patient experiencing a heart attack, specifically known as a STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction), which occurs when one of the major arteries of the heart is blocked. The simulation began with an actor patient presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. The emergency department then worked together following clinical protocol and guideline to diagnose, treat, and prepare the patient for transport to St. Luke’s for additional care. Valor Health, a Critical Access Hospital, has the clinical training and equipment to stabilize patients experiencing cardiac and traumatic emergencies. Following stabilization, patients are transferred to larger organizations that can provide specialized consultation such as a cardiologist. This particular diagnosis requires a specialized procedure in a catheter lab that allows the vessels to be re-opened to restore blood flow.
Emergency Department Nursing Manager, Stephanie Manley shared that “Valor Health is constantly looking for ways to improve our quality, patient outcomes, and efficiency as a team. Participating in simulations gives us the opportunity to perform real time care, while collaborating with other healthcare partners and providers to drive a greater patient experience and outcome. Our goal is to strive to be number one in patient care and practice through simulation is moving us toward achieving that goal.” In this simulation the hospital’s protocols seek to transfer the patient within 30 minutes of identifying this type of critical situation. For each simulation performed, the patient was transferred out of the facility in approximately 20 minutes. Rapid identification and transfer to definitive care increases the chance of surviving this type of heart attack. Through participation in simulation training Valor Health is striving to improve our performance as a healthcare team to offer our patients the best experience and greatest outcome possible.
The Simulation Resource Team consists of (Left to Right) Scott Conklin-RN, Sarah Phipps RN-Quality Manager, Becky Barnes-RN-Nurse Educator, Stephanie Manley, Emergency Dept Manager. Camille Evans LMSW- Case Manager & Social Services, Nick McAllister-RN, Angie Phillips-RN-Med/Sur & OB Manager, Jacki Weideman-RN-Chief Nursing Officer (not pictured)