One of the most critical aspects of patient care is obtaining consent for medical procedures. Consent is more than just a formality—it's a fundamental right that ensures patients have control over their bodies and decisions regarding their healthcare. As future leaders in healthcare or potential patients themselves, high school students need to understand consent and how it works in the medical field. What is Consent? In simple terms, consent means giving permission or agreement for something to happen. In healthcare, it refers to a patient's voluntary agreement to undergo a medical procedure ..read more

Our Story As we approach the end of 2023, it is important to reflect upon the previous year, where we are, and where we thought we would be.  I refer you to the SimRated Past, Present, and Future 2022 blog post for a more detailed account of SimRated’s history.  In a review of that 2022 post, I recognize SimRated values remain constant and expressed in exciting new projects for 2023. At SimRated, we utilize high-quality educational content developed by clinicians who perform the procedures and employ only the necessary technology required for the trainee level.  We continue to b ..read more

An area where, year after year, I see students have the greatest challenges is in creating and maintaining a sterile field.  This is understandable because this is not a straightforward procedure where the student follows the steps, but it is more of a concept that requires vigilance throughout the procedure. As it pertains to CTE students, the most common errors I see are: students do not establish a sterile area,  students contaminate their sterile gloves and then contaminate the sterile field  students place non-sterile items onto the sterile field.   Withou ..read more

Drowning is a severe emergency requiring immediate and expert response, especially relevant for educators and students responsible for the safety of others during aquatic activities. The initial few minutes are pivotal, profoundly impacting the individual's survival prospects. This guide delineates the vital procedures to enact promptly at the scene to optimize the likelihood of a positive result. We invite you to share with your students and discuss the importance of these procedures. Initial Safety and Rescue Assess the Situation Quickly Before entering the water or attempting any rescue ..read more

From coast to coast, our nation is currently facing a shortage of pool and ocean lifeguards, and coupled with record-breaking heat waves, the risk of water-related emergencies is soaring. In fact, recently, Florida alone reported 11 tragic drowning incidents. In light of these alarming circumstances, it is crucial that every one of us takes personal responsibility for water safety, both at the pool and by the ocean, and equips ourselves with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively during emergencies. It's important to understand that the risks and appropriate actions vary depending on ..read more

The rescue drug alone isn’t enough. Sadly, opioid overdose is an epidemic in the United States, taking the lives of 70,000 Americans in 2021 alone. On March 29, 2023, the FDA approved the first-ever naloxone product (Narcan Nasal Spray) for over-the-counter (OTC) non-prescription use.  This product is a nasal spray and is the reversal agent for opioids. While easy to administer, the situation surrounding Narcan Nasal Spray can pose many challenges.  Providers must be able to engage help and manage emergencies.  Anyone who plans to administer Narcan Nasal Spray needs to train on ..read more

Summer is quickly approaching, and many high schools are looking to capitalize on the extra time off to provide  additional courses for college and career readiness. In recent years, these Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses have gained popularity among students looking to grow their career pathways. CTE courses provide students with opportunities to gain valuable skills and knowledge in specific industries while preparing them for future careers in their interested fields of study. Early Career Exploration Career and Technical Education courses provide an excellent opportunity f ..read more

Author: Kristin Oropeza As the final bell rings and students rush out of the classroom, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the gym floor echoes through the halls. Lakewood High School sports are in full swing, and behind the scenes, a key player is working tirelessly to keep the athletes healthy and performing at their best. Meet their athletic trainer, Kam Weller, the unsung hero of this high school’s sports world. From taping ankles to administering concussion tests, Weller is among an elite group of trained professionals who are an essential part of any successful athletic program.&nbs ..read more

Author: Kristin Oropeza Athletic trainers are often the unsung heroes of many professional sports teams - whether at the national level with organizations such as the National Football League or on a more local level with high school and college teams. We were reminded of how important athletic trainers are when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a Monday Night Football game. The quick thinking and intuitive actions of assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington and his team were instrumental in saving  the life of Hamlin, according to head coach Sean McDermot ..read more

Author: Kristin Oropeza SimRated has partnered with the global student-led HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) organization and looks forward to helping sponsor HOSA’s Clinical Speciality Competitive event. The partnership comes at a time when the healthcare industry continues to feel the effects of a shortage of qualified healthcare workers that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. HOSA, accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. The orga ..read more