3D printing enhances paramedic training at Ambulance Victoria

3D printing technology is enhancing how Ambulance Victoria (AV) Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics practice 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 practice how to perform cricothyroidotomy.

Cricothyroidotomy is a critical procedure that involves making an incision in the patient’s neck to insert a breathing tube directly into the airway – bypassing the mouth and upper airways. It’s done when there are difficulties inserting a breathing 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.

“These cric trainers have changed the way we review and practice our skills,” said Sam Caldow, Ambulance Victoria Post Graduate and Specialist Education (MICA) lead. “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, and have been used in more than 110 training sessions.

“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,” said Sam Caldow. “Since the introduction of the 3D training, we have seen an almost 95 percent 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. “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,” said Travis Burroughs, Director of Yarra Ranges Tech School.

The 3D printed customized training aids enable AV to have more choice and control over the design of specialized parts while significantly reducing costs. AV is committed to continuous improvement and seeking more effective ways of training its highly skilled workforce, which includes potentially employing more 3D training aids.