Specialty Areas

Cardiac Cath Lab Simulation Day

Course Overview

Master the skills to confidently handle the unexpected in the Cath lab! This course is designed for registered nurses and Cath lab technicians to hone their ability to recognize, respond to, and manage critical complications during interventional cardiology procedures. Through realistic simulations using a high-fidelity simulator, the learners will gain invaluable hands-on experience in managing high-risk, low-frequency events, ensuring they’re prepared to deliver optimal patient care when every second counts.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the signs and symptoms of a patient experiencing a stroke during an interventional cardiology procedure.
2. Demonstrate the essential steps for effectively managing a patient experiencing a stroke during heart catheterization.
3. Assess and manage procedural needs while simultaneously prioritizing the critical needs of a decompensating patient, optimizing time-sensitive interventions.

Facilities First Five Minutes and Basic First Aid

Course Overview

This course has been created specifically for employees working in Facilities Management within a hospital setting. As a unique department, Facilities Management staff are non-medical professionals, yet they are exposed to a wide range of potential injuries due to the nature of their responsibilities. The risks faced by these employees include sudden cardiac arrest, as well as electrical, chemical, and steam-related incidents, in addition to life-threatening hemorrhage situations. The purpose of this course is to equip Facilities Management employees with essential knowledge and skills, including hands-free CPR techniques, proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), effective management during the initial five minutes of an emergency, and basic first aid for commonly encountered emergencies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognize signs and symptoms of a patient experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
2. Demonstrate the correct procedures for managing a sudden cardiac arrest during the critical first five minutes.
3. Identify common emergencies that may occur in the course of working in Facilities Management.
4. Demonstrate initial management strategies for common emergencies, including hemorrhage control, steam injuries, electrical injuries, chemical injuries, stroke, and hypoglycemia.

Haz Mat and Decon Operations

Course Overview

This course will introduce the AHN Police Officer to the operations related to hazardous materials decontamination at the hospital location. Available personal protective equipment (PPE) will be introduced, highlighting safety and operational procedures. Identification of the specific levels of PPE (Level A-D) will be discussed. The officer will review physical challenges of the use of PPE while performing law enforcement actions.

Learning Outcomes

1. The officer will identify the need for specific PPE and consult with hospital operations staff for appropriate PPE choices during a decontamination operation.
2. The officer will identify physical risks associated with PPE and will verbalize safe monitoring practices with the use of PPE.
3. The officer will, as part of a team, practice donning and doffing Level C PPE.
4. The officer will discuss challenges with completing law enforcement actions while utilizing PPE.

Incarcerated Patient Management for Multidisciplinary Providers

Course Overview

This ongoing program, in conjunction with the Allegheny County Jail Medical System, will provide ongoing simulation training based on the training needs of the jail. Simulation programs will be developed based on high-risk medical emergencies likely to occur within the jail, as well as recent live cases that may require review or additional training. Specific areas of training will include medical and trauma emergencies.

Learning Outcomes

1. The multidisciplinary team will verbalize the pathophysiology, identification, assessment and management of the specific case.

2. The multidisciplinary team will, during a simulation scenario, demonstrate successful management of an emergency using appropriate jail resources.

PHRN Airway Lab

Course Overview

This course is to provide hands-on practice for PHRN’s to become comfortable with airway management and intubation. The learners will have the opportunity to practice multiple times intubating various size manikins from Infant to Adult. They will utilize Direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy, bougie assisted intubation and placement of a surgical cricothyrotomy airway. The second part will utilize high fidelity manikins and be able to go through 4 different scenarios that provide the learner practice with critical thinking of common emergencies encountered in the prehospital environment and demonstrating difficult airway techniques.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate appropriate steps for intubation of adult, pediatric and infant patients.
2. Determine the steps in managing a difficult airway.
3. Demonstrate utilizing direct and video laryngoscopy, surgical cricothyrotomy. 
4. Demonstrate the appropriate management of common emergencies encountered in the prehospital environment.

Radiology Contrast Reaction Simulations

Course Overview

This essential course equips learners administering contrast dye for radiological testing with the critical skills needed to confidently manage severe reactions. Through realistic, high-fidelity simulations, the learners will encounter three common and life-threatening reactions to contrast dye: hypotension, airway emergencies, and anaphylaxis leading to cardiac arrest. Gain hands-on experience and master the protocols to protect your patients when every second counts.

Learning Objectives

1. Implement the appropriate management strategies for hypotension following contrast dye administration.
2. Identify and effectively manage airway complications arising from contrast reactions.
3. Demonstrate proficient management of a patient experiencing cardiac arrest as a result of anaphylaxis triggered by contrast dye, following established protocols.

Simulation Prior to Opening a New Clinical Area

Course Overview

This unique course utilizes simulation to rigorously test workflows, system processes, and uncover hidden safety threats before a new clinical workspace opens. Learners working in the new environment, along with subject matter experts, participate in carefully designed simulated scenarios to assess the physical layout and systems of a specific unit or facility. In-depth debriefing sessions are then facilitated to address identified safety concerns and inform necessary redesign efforts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognize hidden safety threats and areas requiring redesign that may negatively affect patient outcomes and overall safety.
2. Participate in a debriefing session focused on addressing any identified safety concerns.
3. Utilize analyzed simulation data to implement evidence-based changes that improve patient safety and streamline clinical efficiency.