In September, Beat SCAD Trustee Sarah Coombes, took part in an Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) simulation day. Simulation training plays a vital role in improving the standard of pre-hospital care provided by first responders. It ensures that crews are ready to handle whatever comes their way, from practising emergency procedures to fine-tuning communications skills. Sarah was delighted to have the chance to create a simulation setting, working with Lisa Burrell, Centre for Excellence Education Lead at EHAAT.
There were multiple simulations taking place at the same time involving around 100 personnel, including paramedics, fire service, air ambulance teams and dispatchers. Crews would be dispatched to a simulation in various parts of the training centre and would walk in with almost no prior knowledge – just as they would in real-life situations.
The story that Sarah created was an adapted version of a real pregnancy-related SCAD and cardiac arrest case study. Sarah acted the role of the SCAD patient’s mother, who had to advocate for her daughter, whilst also looking after her baby granddaughter.
The simulation lasted about 30 minutes and after they had all taken place, everyone involved gathered to reflect on what they had done – what had gone well and what might be improved upon.
There were also other patients there that day leading simulations based on their own stories. They and Sarah all spoke to the assembled first responders explaining their backgrounds, their conditions, and the life-saving importance of having access to an Air Ambulance service.
The day finished with a very large, simulated mass casualty event, involving everyone. It was fascinating to watch and hugely reassuring.
Lisa, who also uses Beat SCAD to help train advanced care paramedics, said “We are so grateful to have the insight of the Beat SCAD team now firmly embedded in our programmes. Hearing the lived experience and meeting former patients is invaluable. It's something first responders never forget. We are delighted to be part of raising awareness for this important disease.”
