ASM 2024 Simulation Sessions

Moderators Jane Ottens, Arthur Preovolos and Darryl McMillan

Simulation is often described as where an individual is placed in a “foreign” environment with equipment they have never seen, facing a situation never experienced, surrounded by people who are not helping.  This description sounds more like what occurs in the life of a perfusionist. Hi fidelity perfusion simulation workshops have been around in one format or another since its concept in the late nineties.  The ANZCP run simulation sessions have grown since the early days and added to the future of simulation in our college and profession.  This will be the third workshop under the current format, held at an ANZCP conference. The ANZCP is our main sponsor, with both Medtronic and LivaNova supporting generously with equipment and transport as part of their sponsorships.

For those of you who think simulation has little educational value, we wish you to “challenge yourself” and register, get an informed opinion for yourself.  The simulations planned are hi fidelity (as real as we can make them, although a dash of imagination is still needed!!).  While the scenarios are an important component of the sessions, it is the group discussions after each one where everyone tends to learn the most.  The interaction and discussion between Instructors, Senior Perfusionists and Trainees highlight there is more than one way to deal with any perfusion issue and we all end up learning from each other.  And those of you who have been practicing for many years and have ‘seen it all’ – we would like to challenge you that you haven’t.  

Over the years we have developed a couple of rules that we ask all attendees to follow during the day.

• What happens in simulation stays in simulation – the only person who judges your performance is you!
• Have fun and learn – Relax in a non-threatening environment.
• Participate – Be prepared to give your opinions and knowledge “No wallflowers allowed”.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Christchurch meeting and at either the workshop or Fireside chat.

Jane, Arthur and Darryl