HFD and Texas Children's Hospital Form Pediatric Simulation Program

Beginning in January of 2012, members of the Houston Fire Department will begin to train and attend a hospital based pediatric simulation program in partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Texas Children’s Simulation Center has acquired a grant from the Cullen Foundation that will make the training free for 500 providers over two (2) years.  HFD crews will attend the eight (8) hour Pre-Hospital Care Providers Course which realistic simulation will place emphasis on the following:

    * high risk pediatric and obstetrical cases

    * team training, leadership, and communication

    * family centered care scenarios

The simulation is a technique to replace or amplify real patient experiences with guided experiences that evoke and replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner.  This course will enhance the care that the HFD personnel provide to the public by providing the opportunity to work through complicated procedures without concern or risks associated with learning on real patients.

Pictured - Dr. Jennifer Arnold, M.D., Medical Director of Pediatric Simulation Center and Neonatologist in Texas Children’s Newborn Center who will be leading the program was presented a proclamation from Mayor Annise D. Parker proclaiming today October 25, 2011 as “Jennifer Arnold Day”.  Attending the presentation was City Council Member Wanda Adams, Sr. Captain Isabel Sky-Eagle, Fire Chief Terry Garrison, Dr.  Jennifer Arnold, Mayor Annise Parker, Kelly Wallin M.S., R.N., Assistant EMS Chief David Almaguer, and Dr. David Persse.