Simulator to save lives
Donation to help train LifeFlight
NEW RACQ LifeFlight doctors, nurses and paramedics will practise saving lives in helicopters from an innovative, high-tech medical simulator launched at the LifeFlight Training Academy yesterday.
The state-of-the-art Medical Training Simulator, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, was made possible by a $187,000 donation from two generous brothers, John and David Mactaggart of JL Mactaggart Holdings Pty Ltd.
The simulator is fitted out as an identical replica of the cabin of an AW139 RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter.
It features an internal communications system and functioning, specialist medical equipment.
Instructors can set up emergency scenarios to recreate high-pressure situations medical staff could face in the air, with the trainees “treating” life-like mannequins, as the sound of real helicopters roars through the cabin.
The convenience of being a stand-alone, mobile machine means training can be carried out anywhere, at any time, without having to take a real helicopter away from operational duty.
The Mactaggart brothers are passionate about the work of LifeFlight and have been supporting the service for years.
“You never know when you, or someone you love, will need the services of RACQ LifeFlight Rescue, so it’s important to support it,” John Mactaggart said.
The equipment features the brothers’ names on each side, as a permanent tribute to their contribution.
LifeFlight Training Academy medical director Dr Duncan McAuley said making clinical training as realistic as possible was a crucial part of helping medical professionals adjust to working in a flying Intensive Care Unit.
“The helicopter environment can be more challenging than a hospital. On top of working in limited space with lots of noise, medical crews have to learn about aviation safety and communications,” Dr McAuley said.
Eight new interactive mannequins have also helped improve the authenticity of training. The Medical Training Simulator will join the Thales AW139 full flight simulator at the Brisbane training academy.