The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is helping expand access to high-quality emergency medical training across Idaho through the donation of two high-fidelity adult patient simulators to regional training and emergency response organizations.
The state-of-the-art simulators are designed to replicate complex human physiological responses during medical emergencies, providing learners with hands-on experience in assessing and managing critical situations. These donations will enhance clinical training opportunities for rural emergency medical personnel, volunteer responders and future healthcare professionals across the state.
One simulator was donated to Three Rivers STAR, a nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) training to rural emergency medical agencies.
Rural first responders can face unique challenges, including limited access to training resources and longer transport times to definitive care. High-fidelity simulation provides an opportunity to practice critical skills, including airway management, trauma care and cardiac stabilization, in a realistic and hands-on environment.
“Our primary mission is to take EMS training throughout Idaho free of charge to rural agencies that can’t afford to bring in outside training or trainers,” said William “Bud” Paine, Director of Three Rivers STAR. “This will allow us to enhance how we can assist more rural agencies with free higher level training.”
The second simulator was donated to the Idaho Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to support the organization’s emergency services, search and rescue, and cadet programs. The advanced simulator will give CAP members and cadets additional opportunities to develop practical medical skills that can be applied during disaster response, search and rescue operations, and other field emergencies.
“I have the privilege to train the more than 800 members of the Idaho Wing to prepare them for search and rescue missions,” said 1st Lt. Christopher B. Verkerk, Idaho Wing Director of Emergency Services. “In addition, our cadet programs teach our youth leadership lessons that consist of career skills. This donation will be used to teach our cadets basic and wilderness first aid, as well as CPR, thus preparing them not only for a future career but also to save lives in future search and rescue missions.”
As Idaho’s osteopathic medical school, ICOM is committed to supporting the health and well-being of communities throughout the state. By making advanced simulation technology available to community partners, the College is helping extend the benefits of hands-on medical education beyond its campus and into the communities where healthcare providers and emergency responders serve.