Published on 29 July 2019
Pioneering technology is playing a critical role in helping University of Sunderland trainee paramedics save more lives.
Students at the University have become the first in the world to train with a new Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) machine.
The RQI Program uses realistic Simulation patient cases – using adult and child dummies - and a mobile simulation station to help trainee paramedics improve life-saving CPR skills. It aims to provide the most efficient and effective guidance on applying CPR to both adults and children.
It means students on the University’s paramedic programmes will be equipped with the latest and most advanced resuscitation guidance as they prepare for life on the front line.
Mark Willis, Programme Leader for Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care at the University, said: “Ultimately, this will assist, improve and maintain the resuscitation skills of our students.
“The technology not only trains in the correct procedures but puts emphasis on the quality elements of CPR. This technology means that standards won’t only be maintained, but improved.
“RQI gives us a much more holistic view of resuscitation procedures so that when our paramedics go into the workplace they are as well equipped with lifesaving skills as they can be.”
Many healthcare providers do not perform CPR as a normal part of their daily practice, and some may rarely perform CPR after their bi-annual training.
As CPR compression and ventilation skills degrade from lack of use and practice, so does the overall effectiveness of CPR. As the quality of CPR degrades, this can literally become a matter of life and death for patients.
Mark Willis believes the RQI technology will help prevent this degrading and ensure students are as trained as they can be.
He added: “This technology is now forming a vital part of training for our paramedics.”