A unique new vehicle is bringing advanced training and education directly to rural first responders and clinical caregivers in northern Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The recently unveiled Parkview Advanced Mobile Medical Simulation Lab is equipped with advanced technology to simulate medical emergencies and allow clinicians to experience hands-on training in a lifelike environment. The spaces on the 42-foot unit can be adapted to provide customized training, better preparing public safety personnel to respond to a variety of real-life emergencies.

The mobile lab, operational since late 2023, is the first of its kind in Indiana and has two simulation rooms, two control rooms, and a debriefing space. The simulation room near the front of the vehicle can be customized for use in various training. The simulation room to the rear of the vehicle is a near-replica of a Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) ambulance, with equipment and seating positioned in the same manner. This simulated environment allows for realistic training without taking an active ambulance out of service.

The Indiana Department of Health has reported for more than a decade that injury is the leading cause of death for Hoosiers under the age of 45 and there are too few trauma centers or EMS providers in rural areas, where problems posed by injury are most acute.

According to Parkview, the mobile lab will provide at least 250 hours of training per year for TRAA, Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) and Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) personnel. It will also be made available to police, fire and EMS departments throughout the region, improving access to advanced medical training for all first responders, especially those in rural communities. 

“Simulation-based education results in better translation of skills compared to traditional methods of education, and it allows professionals to prepare for rare or intense scenarios that are otherwise difficult to replicate,” said Michael Mirro, MD, chief academic research officer of the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation. “The mobile lab makes this advanced training accessible to more public safety teams and health care staff, who may not be able to travel to a sim lab or purchase their own advanced training equipment. Improving access to this education will improve the delivery of emergency care for our communities and help address the high trauma-related mortality rate in rural areas in our region.”

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Foundation funded the purchase of the lab, which is operated by the team at the Advanced Medical Simulation Lab at the Mirro Center. The EMS Foundation is part of the Fort Wayne Medical Society and comprises representatives from Fort Wayne hospitals, TRAA, FWFD and FWPD.   

The mobile lab has been operational thanks to financial support from the Parkview Health Foundation, which also includes funding from the Fort Wayne Medical Society Foundation. The lab's continued operation will be funded through a combination of grants, philanthropic support and revenue from training events.

Learn more about the lab and request a simulation by visiting Parkview’s website here.