Ambulance Victoria in Australia has implemented 3D-printed training devices to help paramedics practice emergency airway procedures. The organization partnered with Yarra Ranges Tech School to produce plastic larynx trainers, known as ‘cric trainers,’ which are used to simulate cricothyroidotomy procedures.
The training devices allow Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics to practice creating emergency airways in patients who cannot be intubated through conventional methods. The cric trainers, combined with bubble wrap, tape, and bandages, create a realistic simulation of a patient’s neck for training purposes.
Since the partnership’s inception, more than 170 training devices have been utilized across 110 training sessions. According to Sam Caldow, AV Post Graduate and Specialist Education Lead, the implementation of these 3D-printed training aids has resulted in a nearly 95 percent success rate in performing cricothyroidotomy procedures.
The devices are manufactured at Yarra Ranges Tech School using downloadable 3D files, providing a cost-effective solution for specialized medical training equipment. “Producing the cric trainers helps students learn how 3D printing can be used to solve real-world problems,” said Travis Burroughs, Yarra Ranges Tech School Director.
Ambulance Victoria reports that paramedics who have performed actual procedures after training with the 3D-printed devices have noted similarities between the simulation and real-world scenarios. The organization is currently exploring opportunities to expand its use of 3D-printed training aids as part of its commitment to workforce development.
Source: miragenews.com