Life Support Skills Center - Simulation

Our committment to educational excellence is evident by the vision, development and implementation of the Life Support Skills Center. The Center integrates the latest advances in technology with the curriculum for advanced medical training. It is comprised of the Patient Simulator Laboratory, featuring the Human Patient Simulator (HPS TM) and the Diffucult Airway Management Laboratory.

The Life Support Skills Center (LSSC) provides a realistic, safe learning environment fro clinicians and healthcare professionals at all levels of practice. Highly sophisticated technology supports the "hands on" practicing and perfecting of medical diagnostics and skills training. Its resources are being aggressively integrated into the resident and medical student curriculum as well as incorporated into the educational training of healthcare professionals from multidisciplinary specialties.

Users must select a local anesthetic agent to use during their simulated case and administer it correctly to reduce patient discomfort. Biopsies and tissue sampling can be simulated and a variety of instructional tutorials can be viewed to assist clinicians in their case.

(Anesthesiology Residents in Simulation)

Images are projected onto a fixed screen by a data / video projector. A movable podium is fitted with touch screen controls. Video feeds provide for interactive distance meetings and employee briefings. The physical layout of the room is conducive to effective presentations.

(Dr. Dean Connors Instructs Residents on Bronchoscopy)

The Difficult Airway Management Laboratory

Faculty, residents and medical students use our Difficult Airway Lab to practice and perfect their knowledge and skills of airway management. Featured are the HT Medical System Bronchoscopy Simulator and computer workstations with a variety of simulation based software programs. The bronchoscopy simulator is equipped with a real bronchoscope allowing users to learn and perfect their technique with the equipment. The patient simulator is also unique for airway management. Direct laryngoscopy, oral and nasal intubations can be performed. Swelling of the posterior oropharynx, tongue and laryngospasm can be activated to facilitate the initiation of emergency airway procedures.

New Drugs and Equipment

New drugs and equipment are frequently introduced in the field of anesthesia. The Center provides a controlled environment that allows practicing and testing new methods of treatment prior to usage with real patients. For example, a new anesthesia machine can be connected to the simulator in order to learn the tricks and pitfalls before using it in real-life situations.

Simulation Center Address

Saint Louis University
Medical Center
Learning Resources Center
3544 Caroline Mall, Room 001
(314) 977-8445
lssc@slu.edu