North Shore Health Care Foundation’s investing in new technology

The North Shore Health Care Foundation is investing in new simulation technology for training emergency medical services. One of the new technologies is a simulation manikin, which can have responsive vitals to traumatic injuries. The manikin also has the ability to bleed, and other bodily fluids.

Valerie Eliasen, the Executive Director of North Shore Health Care Foundation, talked about the investment in new technology. “When we talk about this initiative amongst our board, we kind of refer to it as the 30, 30, 30 project. Because it’s our 30th year, we’re putting forth $30,000 to kick off this campaign and we’re positioning Cook County for opportunities over the next 30 years to secure health services here.” Eliasen said. “Collaboration is king. We are so blessed up here to have amazing, educated, driven, unique partners that are willing to come to the table. Not everybody in other communities can say that. I think the pandemic really strengthened those partnerships.”

Having access to health care is essential wherever you live, but it’s critical in remote areas. Jon Moe, the Education Director at North Shore Health explained why this new technology is necessary. “It allows our learners to make mistakes without actually harming anyone. And what is key to understand is that in the health care education world now, simulation is no longer viewed as a nicety. It is viewed as standard. Every place is expected to include simulation in their training in the clinical practice world.” Moe said.

Even though simulation technology is becoming more common, a lot of rural towns might not have the funds, the number of health care workers or adequate training for medical emergencies. Kimber Wraalstad, the CEO/Administrator of North Shore Health, talked about the health care worker shortage. “Late last year in Minnesota, there were 11,000 seniors who were turned away from long term care facilities in one month alone, mostly due to staffing shortages.” Wraalstad said.

However, there are ways people can help without having to be a nurse or doctor. According to the American Heart Association, more than half of Americans claim to know CPR, but only one in five Americans stay up to date with training.

For more information you can look on the North Shore Health Care Foundation’s website https://northshorehealthcarefoundation.org/.

For another story you can read more here https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/opioids-a-community-conversation-at-the-duluth-library/.