Advancing Training with SimMan 3G Plus

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Friday, May 23, 2025

“It brings together nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and others to work through a scenario as a unified team. The learning happens not only in what you do, but in how you do it together.” – Tammy Parker, Director of Interprofessional Practice and Learning with Nova Scotia Health

The addition of a SimMan 3G Plus human patient simulator has strengthened simulation-based training at Aberdeen Hospital, allowing health care teams to practice complex medical scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. This hands-on training improves preparedness for rare but serious emergencies, builds confidence among staff, and ultimately enhances patient care.

The SimMan 3G Plus is a realistic human mannequin that can speak, sweat, bleed, seize, and mimic life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac arrest or anaphylaxis. These features allow health care providers to respond as they would in real clinical situations, sharpening both technical skills and critical thinking. Simulation training also helps to ensure hospital readiness for low-frequency, high-impact events and promotes opportunities for skill building.

“The SimMan 3G Plus allows us to simulate real emergencies, so our teams can practice hands-on, build confidence, and improve patient care through interdisciplinary training across departments, in a safe environment,” says Tammy Parker, Director of Interprofessional Practice and Learning.

Simulation exercises take place in a simulation lab at Aberdeen Hospital, or equipment can be taken to any unit within the facility. This allows education to be targeted to staff needs and wants.  Recent scenarios have been based on real-life cases, such as postpartum hemorrhage, trauma, code blue, sepsis, and escalation of patient care. Each simulation is followed by a structured debrief, where all members who engaged in the simulation walk through what happened, identify strengths and challenges, enhance team collaboration, and explore areas for improvement.

“It brings together nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and others to work through a scenario as a unified team. The learning happens not only in what you do, but in how you do it together,” says Parker. “Simulation allows us to run through the steps and skills so that when the real situation happens, we’re ready.”

Continuing to invest in simulation-based learning has been a practical and effective way for Aberdeen Health Foundation to support health care teams, improve patient outcomes, and increase collaboration among health professionals.

The Aberdeen Health Foundation is the leading charity for enhancing health care in Pictou County. In 2024, the Foundation invested over $2.7 million to fund medical equipment and enhance health programs at the Aberdeen Hospital and in the community. Your contribution can be the catalyst for even greater change — find out how you can make an impact here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Megan Manuel Murphy
Administrative Coordinator
Aberdeen Health Foundation

902-752-7600 ext. 4600
Megan.ManuelMurphy@nshealth.ca