TAMK’s nursing students participated in MedEvac exercise
The MedEvac exercise was implemented among these participants for the first time practising cooperation between the Emergency Evacuation Centre and Emergency Evacuation Hospital. The aim of the exercise was to develop performance and cooperation of the above-mentioned units as the starting point for a MedEvac transportation abroad. The Finnish Red Cross offered support by sending the Emergency Evacuation Centre (EEC) and Emergency Evacuation Hospital (EEH) to the accident scene (Tampere-Pirkkala Airport).
In the imaginary situation, an airplane heading to Zumumba in the city of Lumbara runs off the runway and catches fire. The passenger plane is a charter flight and most passengers are Finnish. The imaginary patients are nursing students from Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The passengers are evacuated and receive acute care in the Finnish Red Cross’ Emergency Evacuation Hospital and psychological support from the City of Vantaa’s Social Emergency and Crisis Centre professionals in the Emergency Evacuation Centre. Both units operate in tents. Some imaginary patients are evacuated to a cargo plane of the Finnish Defence Forces and to continued treatment.
The idea for the exercise came from teachers’ cooperation networks.
“This kind of an exercise gives students abilities in working as nursing professionals in changing operating environments, experiences on the patient’s position and perspective on cooperation between authorities and others involved. The exercise also works as a good grouping element in new student groups,” tutor teachers Minna Tiainen and Anne Partanen say.
The students had a two-hour info session by the Finnish Red Cross the day before the exercise in which they were informed of the exercise and related preparation. The actual exercise day started with familiarisation with the patient roles and makeup.
“The day was exciting but rewarding. After the exercise we had an immediate defusing discussion led by the Finnish Red Cross. We will also discuss the exercise at school. We were very satisfied with the students’ participation and the students received a lot of good feedback,” the tutor teachers state.
“It is easy to continue our cooperation with the other participants based on this.”
Photos: Eino Ansio
Further information:
Minna Tiainen, TAMK, School of Health Care and Social Services, Degree Programme in Nursing, tel. 040 6627 326, minna.tiainen [at] tuni.fi ()
Anne Partanen, TAMK, School of Health Care and Social Services, Degree Programme in Nursing, tel. 040 6627 998, anne.partanen [at] tuni.fi
