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Event Review: Human Patient Simulation Network Conference

David Blevins, Paramedic Program Director, contributed this review of the 2012 Human Patient Simulation Network Conference. If you would like to contribute an event review or guest post see the guidelines

HPSN12, Tampa Florida
29 February 2012 – 1 March 2012

What seemed to be a perfectly calm day in the middle of the week turned upside down quickly as the Marriott Waterford Hotel in Tampa, Florida was invaded by a unique group of individuals boasting names like iStan, CAE Caesar and METiMan.  These individuals donated their bodies as teaching tools to the masses, and those masses found out these individuals could do everything we can do, including the ability to move, talk and teach.

In fact, after serving in an interdisciplinary simulation lab, CAE Caesar provided entertainment to the hotel guests as he provided flawless renditions of popular pieces from the piano overlooking the lobby.  The attendees of the conference made their way to the balcony for a picture with the famous pianist during his conference concert.  CAE Healthcare continued the tradition of simulation in medicine as it opened the doors to the Human Patient Simulation Network conference on the 28th of February 2012.

A unique opportunity opens annually as the group formerly known as METI brings the medical community together to discuss the opportunities of high-fidelity simulation.  As medical education continues to pursue means to enhance the level of education provided, students continually state that real world, life-like simulation is key to providing that leap to enhanced standards.  In addition to a broad range of topics being discussed by industry experts, the HPSN12 conference provided demonstrations from a leading Air Force Reserve aeromedical evacuation team, as well as an EMS simulation utilizing two EMT students and METiMAN suffering from sudden cardiac arrest in the back of a simulated ambulance from Rescue Safety Products.

This conference provided an unique atmosphere that facilitated learning on all levels of medical care.  With the range of educational tracks available, EMT’s, Paramedics, nurses, physician assistants, Physicians, and surgeons were on site to learn what is available.  Furthermore, educators from all disciplines were brought in to learn how to implement these devices.

This was my first opportunity to attend this conference and while I held a general understanding as to what was available, I was pleased to see the opportunities presented at HPSN12.  During my time in Tampa, I assisted Sarah Wilson, Program Director at emsgrantshelp.com present two separate breakout sessions on The Basics of Grant Writing and Grants 101 to help individuals in the EMS community understand the nuances of grants to help them find opportunities to receive funding to enhance their training by adding simulators to their curriculum.

HPSN 12
Included entertainment helped make HPSN 2012 great

As partners, the grant experts at emsgrantshelp.com assist METI/CAE Healthcare and METI/CAE customers by providing grant assistance through research and project development.  Organizations that are interested in high-fidelity simulation equipment should contact the experts at www.emsgrantshelp.com

emsgrantshelp.com and it’s sister sites, firegrantshelp.com and policegrantshelp.com are experts in the field of first responder based grants, and through partnerships with first responder based organizations offer assistance to community/agency leaders in finding available funding for vital operational needs.

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.