Kennebec Federal Savings, known as KFS, has donated $5000 to Inland Hospital’s Bickford Medical Simulation Program.

KFS President, Allan Rancourt and KFS board member, Chris Gaunce formally presented the gift to Inland President/CEO, John Dalton on February 22.

“KFS is proud to contribute to the success of the Bickford Medical Simulation Program,” said Rancourt during a tour of the Simulation Lab, scheduled to officially open in April. “Helping such a unique and valuable training program get started is exciting and KFS is pleased to be a part of it for our community.”

The Bickford Medical Simulation Program at Inland Hospital features four high-tech computerized mannequins called “patient simulators” that can be programmed to mimic a variety of complex medical scenarios, such as trauma, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, and airway obstructions. They can blink, speak, breathe, have a heartbeat and pulse. Two of the simulators are a mother and newborn and will allow staff to practice complicated obstetrics deliveries. The other two simulators are an adult and an infant.

The specialized equipment tests staff and physicians’ clinical, critical-thinking, and teamwork skills in a controlled environment and is similar to the type of simulation training used by pilots - with instant performance feedback. The program’s training lab is also equipped with cameras and recording equipment for classroom use. The lab is located in the Medical Arts Building, attached to Inland.

Inland President and CEO, John Dalton notes that medical simulation training is important to medical care in rural areas, where high-risk procedures are seen less often, but the need to stay prepared for them remains.

“Inland thanks KFS for their generous gift,” remarked Dalton. “Their support of the medical simulation program, which will be open not only to Inland staff, but to first responders and nursing students, helps ensure the future of quality medical care in our community.”

KFS was established in 1936 as a customer-owned financial institution. It has two branch offices in Waterville.

In Photo (Above):
KFS makes gift to Inland Hospital’s high-tech medical simulation training program.
Pictured left to right: Chris Gaunce, KFS Board member; John Dalton, Inland President/CEO; Allan Rancourt, KFS President; and Sim-Man 3G.

~March 5, 2010