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Kuakini Acquires Hawaii’s First SimMan 3G
November 3, 2009

Kuakini Health System is the first in the state to acquire the SimMan 3G, the most advanced robotic patient simulator available.

Unlike previous models, the SimMan 3G is completely portable and wireless with a working range of 300 yards from the computer controls. This new model has an internal compressor located in his leg, as compared to the older versions required a bulky external compressor. Weighing about 90 pounds and having an eight-hour battery, the SimMan enables Kuakini to simulate a medical emergency from the time the incident occurs (e.g., a heart attack off campus), through the ER experience and then admission to a patient floor.

“The SimMan is a valuable asset to Kuakini,” said Lori Kaneshige, Manager, Education Services. “It keeps us competitive for the best and brightest upcoming clinical and allied professional staff. Nursing and medical students are already learning on simulators. We want to be able to attract a high caliber of students from various disciplines.”

The robot, created by Laerdal, has realistic anatomy and clinical functionality, which means the SimMan can speak, cry, bleed, convulse, go into cardiac arrest, and demonstrate many medical conditions. If the situation requires, he can become a “she” using interchangeable anatomy.

“Using a computer, the Clinical Nursing Staff and Clinicians can program a scenario for participants to perform skills and also react to changes in the SimMan’s condition. The SimMan will respond based on the participants’ actions or inaction. If the participant doesn’t respond appropriately, SimMan’s condition worsens and he can actually die,” said Kaneshige.

The new robot will be incorporated into Kuakini’s Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and CPR trainings, new hire orientations, ongoing nurse training, competency drills and event review scenarios. After each simulation, participants will be able to assess their performance by reviewing an event log that includes video and audio recording and an event log of the training session.