SimLEARN Now Producing Training in Fight Against COVID-19
By Gerald Sonnenberg
EES Marketing and Communication
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Simulation Learning, Education and Research Network (SimLEARN) began rolling out training to help VA medical staff care for our Veteran patients during this COVID-19 pandemic. This initial course, called COVID-19 Patient Airway Management Outside of Operating Room is designed for current airway managers that could come in direct contact with Veterans contaminated with the virus or other Veterans in close proximity.
COVID-19 is a “new coronavirus that has not been previously identified,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. This is of particular concern, and why this course was developed.
Poorly managed airway emergencies may result in brain damage or death due to airway management failures and inability to ventilate and oxygenate the patient. These high-stakes, low-frequency emergent airway management events are further compounded when the patients requiring airway management are highly infectious. The course consists of scenarios, videos, training aides and resources to help VA medical staff to more effectively treat patients during this pandemic.
The COVID-19 virus pandemic is a serious threat to all U.S. citizens and our Veterans. The most vulnerable populations identified are patients over 50 with coexisting hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, and underlying respiratory disease. COVID-19 treatment preparation is compounded by potential infection and subsequent illness of our health care providers.
To access this training, click here. For more information, please contact Cherie Bolden-Dickerson, project manager.
The VHA public internet site for COVID-19 training is www.va.gov/COVIDtraining.
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