Vocational Nursing perform chest compressions
Victoria College students traded textbooks for teamwork during an immersive exercise that tested their real-world healthcare skills.
The recent interdisciplinary simulation, the first to be held in VC’s newly renovated Allied Health Building, brought together five health career programs for a hands-on glimpse into life beyond the classroom.
One of the carefully designed scenarios began with a 9-1-1 call. A volunteer portrayed a 45-year-old male experiencing chest pain. Paramedic students arrived on scene, evaluated the patient, and transported him from a gurney to VC’s ambulance simulator, working quickly to stabilize him while communicating with an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) student acting as the emergency room charge nurse.
Once the patient arrived at the ER, Vocational Nursing, ADN, Respiratory Therapy, and Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) students took over. Communication was crucial as they collaborated to care for the patient. During a tense moment, the patient collapsed and “coded” while working with PTA students.
Students adapted on the fly, performing chest compressions on a mannequin, administering Epinephrine and Amiodarone, and conducting an EKG to assess cardiac activity. Respiratory therapy students swiftly intubated the mannequin, ensuring proper oxygen delivery and ventilation.
The high-stakes simulation gave students the opportunity to work alongside peers they hadn’t met before in a fast-paced environment, blending adrenaline with decisive action and clear communication as their instructors watched closely.
“It really helped us get used to the idea of working with people in other fields in a fast-paced environment,” said Kaelyn Baker, PTA student. “We have practiced scenarios before where a patient is coding on us, so we felt prepared, but experiencing it this way really brought it to life.”
VC’s Allied Health Building was recently renovated with state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Simulation Labs that replicate emergency rooms, intensive care units and inpatient hospital rooms. The simulation mirrored the full continuum of patient care—from first response to hospital treatment, discharge and home care.
“Through advanced simulation and hands-on training, Victoria College is equipping students to meet the demands of modern healthcare with confidence and skill,” said Darla Strother, Dean of VC’s Division of Allied Health. “These highly trained graduates will strengthen the regional economy and support local job growth."
