At NEOAHEC, we are dedicated to enhancing healthcare in rural communities by providing high-quality simulation-based training. With additional funding, we are preparing to expand our simulation program, offering healthcare professionals hands-on, realistic training that will improve patient care and ensure they are prepared for a variety of real-life medical scenarios. Our goal is to bring these advanced training opportunities directly to rural healthcare providers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to meet the unique challenges of their communities.
What We've Accomplished
We have been piloting essential training programs in partnership with Grande Ronde Hospital, focusing on enhancing healthcare outcomes and identifying areas for improvement. Through simulations like pediatric drowning and RSV scenarios, we’ve helped healthcare professionals refine their skills and improve clinical processes. Additionally, we have been collaborating with Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing on the La Grande campus, providing critical scenarios that allow nursing students to gain hands-on experience in managing real-life healthcare situations. These simulations play a key role in preparing nursing students for the challenges they will face in their professional careers.
NEOAHEC currently owns two high-fidelity mannikins—Pediatric HAL® S2225 - Wireless and Tetherless Pediatric Patient Simulator and HAL® S3201 Advanced Multipurpose Patient Simulator—which are used in a variety of training exercises aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. With recent funding from Senator Jeff Merkley and support from Senator Ron Wyden, we are excited to expand our capabilities further. Their initiative to invest in Oregon’s families and rural communities has provided $163,000 for NEOAHEC to acquire an Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Simulation System. This new addition will significantly enhance our ability to deliver critical maternal and neonatal health training in Eastern Oregon, where access to specialized healthcare can be limited.
The acquisition of the NOELLE® with Newborn TORY® S575.100 - Advanced Maternal and Neonatal Care Simulation Package will help fill the gap left by the closure of the Baker City Labor and Delivery department. By offering specialized training for first responders and OB units throughout the region, we aim to ensure healthcare professionals are fully prepared to manage the increased demand for maternal and neonatal care. This training is especially vital in rural areas, where patients frequently face long travel distances to receive the care they need, and local healthcare providers must be ready to handle emergencies with limited resources.
How We Deliver Simulations
NEOAHEC provides not only the simulators but also skilled personnel to run them. Dani Patton, our Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist, has led hundreds of simulations and serves as the super user for all our mannikins. Alongside Dani, our Education Manager facilitates pre- and debriefs, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. We work closely with each healthcare facility’s education team to tailor training sessions to their specific needs, making sure they are effective and relevant.
Mannikin-Based Simulations
Our high-fidelity mannikins offer realistic, hands-on training that includes vital signs like EKG, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Healthcare professionals can practice life-saving procedures such as intubation, defibrillation, and chest tube placement in a controlled environment. This "practice on plastic" approach allows professionals to refine their skills and gain confidence before working with real patients.
Looking Ahead
As we expand our simulation program, we are excited to bring these valuable training opportunities to more rural healthcare facilities across eastern Oregon. Our trained personnel, enhanced training tools, and expanded collection of mannikins will bolster healthcare training, providing the region with critical healthcare resources. We are also exploring becoming Basic Life Support in Obstetrics (BLSO) certified to offer this essential education to local healthcare providers, ensuring that our communities have access to the highest level of obstetric care and preparedness.
For more details on Senator Merkley’s initiative and other community projects, please visit his website.
Stay tuned for updates, and check out our video gallery to see our simulations in action!