Computerized manikins teach critical skills to Big Rapids, Reed City Hospital staff

New Manikin Carts Provide Best in Basic Life Support Training

BIG RAPIDS, Mich., September 9, 2020 – New state-of-the-art computerized manikins used for Basic Life Support (BLS) training are now being used for the clinical staff at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals.

Two units, each featuring an adult and infant manikin, are equipped with computers that give voice commands and immediate feedback to those receiving training.

“We’re very excited to get the new manikins,” said Caroline Ring, chief nursing officer for both hospitals. “The new equipment offers continuous certification opportunities for our staff and provides the best training possible.”

Computerized voice commands offer real-time feedback to those being trained so they can make corrections and master proper compression and airway techniques efficiently.

The computer acts as a partner with each participant, switching between giving the manikin compressions and breaths by counting aloud.

Strengths and areas for improvement are tracked for each participant to enable staff members to work at perfecting skills.

The manikins and touch-screen computer are part of a special cart to allow for training to occur easily throughout the hospital.

“Regular practice in BLS training is very important,” Ring said. “It can make the difference between life and death for our patients, so doing CPR effectively is a high priority.”

Spectrum Health System, a not-for-profit, integrated health system, is committed to improving the health and wellness of our communities. We live our mission every day with 31,000 compassionate professionals, 4,600 medical staff experts, 3,300 committed volunteers and a health plan serving 1 million members. Our talented physicians and caregivers are privileged to offer a full continuum of care and wellness services to our communities through 14 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 150 ambulatory sites and telehealth offerings. We pursue health care solutions for today and tomorrow that diversify our offerings. Locally-governed and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, our health system provided $585 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2019. Thanks to the generosity of our communities, we received $30 million in philanthropy in the most recent fiscal year to support research, academics, innovation and clinical care. Spectrum Health has been recognized as one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems by Truven Health Analytics®, part of IBM Watson Health^TM.

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org