Innovative 3D printing technology is enhancing how Ambulance Victoria (AV) Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics practise a lifesaving procedure before hitting the road.
A partnership with Yarra Ranges Tech School (Box Hill Institute) has seen AV's Operational Capability Post Graduate and Specialist Education Team receive 3D printed plastic larynx trainers known as 'cric trainers', which help MICA paramedics learn and practise how to perform cricothyroidotomy.
Cricothyroidotomy is a critical procedure which involves making an incision in the patient's neck to insert a breathing tube directly into the airway bypassing the mouth and upper airways.
MICA paramedics using a cric trainer.
It's done when there are difficulties inserting a beathing tube into the patient's airway after they've been placed in an induced coma and have stopped breathing by themselves.
During training, the cric trainer, bubble wrap, tape and a bandage imitate the patient's neck, creating a realistic training resource.
AV Post Graduate and Specialist Education (MICA) Lead Sam Caldow said the advanced training was helping better prepare students for real world scenarios.
"These cric trainers have changed the way we review and practise our skills," he said.
"Staff who have performed this procedure on a patient after completing the training with the 3D printed airway have commented about the similarities and fidelity of being able to do so.
"This technology ensures both MICA and MICA flight paramedics are well prepared and confident to deliver the best level of care in real-life real-time situations."
Since the partnership started in 2021, more than 170 cric trainers have been provided, being used in more than 110 training sessions.
A cric trainer.
"All participants of the most recent MICA Bridging Program received their own cric trainer to support their training both during the program and at a branch level," Mr Caldow said.
"Since the introduction of the 3D training, we have seen an almost 95 per cent success rate in performing cricothyroidotomy.
"This highlights the value of innovative training materials that help prepare our people for all situations."
The cric trainers are printed at Yarra Ranges Tech School using a downloadable 3D file.
Yarra Ranges Tech School Director Travis Burroughs said the partnership with AV has created wonderful learning opportunities for students.
"Producing the cric trainers helps students learn how 3D printing can be used to solve real-world problems. Students feel a great sense of purpose, knowing their work helps AV's paramedics to save lives," Mr Burroughs said.
The 3D-printed customised training aids enable AV to have more choice and control over the design of specialised parts while significantly reducing costs.
AV is committed to continuous improvement and seeking more effective ways of training its highly skilled workforce, which includes the potential to employ more 3D training aids.
