“George,” the SimMan manikin, can simulate everything from breathing and a pulse to responsive sounds, not to mention accommodate chest compressions and airway management. The system is even capable of responding to drugs injected through an IV via radio frequency identification technology and a flow meter. As a simulation unfolds, an instructor monitors an onboard computer and adjusts George’s physical reactions to model what happens in a real patient. “This control is critical to making the experience as lifelike as possible and keeping the participants thinking about how the patient is responding,” says Julie Perretta, a lead simulation educator at the center.  

With limited opportunities to learn from real cases, surgery nurses at The Johns Hopkins Hospital identified emergency response as a priority for their annual skills days this past fall.  “About 63 percent of the inpatient nurses participating had experienced two or less emergency situations in their unit in the last six months,” says Stacey Danielczyk, a surgery nurse educator.

In October, more than 160 surgery nurses completed basic life support simulations using a manikin. Through a method known as Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice, groups of six nurses were able to run through five to six simulations and show measurable improvement as a team in response time and quality chest compressions. “In this controlled environment, participants are able to set aside some of the natural anxiety that accompanies a code and focus on their skills, as well as observe and support their peers,” says Perretta.