Credit: Screenshot/CBS News.
Respiratory therapy students at Gwynedd Mercy University are receiving hands-on training using a couple of unique items.
Liverwurst and red Jell-O are being utilized to simulate lung tissue during procedures. These unconventional teaching tools are helping students practice biopsies and aspirations, key components of respiratory care.
Gwynedd Mercy Program Coordinator Randy Solly has found these items particularly effective in creating realistic training scenarios, allowing students to gain experience with scopes used for airway and lung procedures.
The unique approach by the school earned it a featured spot on CBS national news coverage.
"It really simulates lung tissue," said Solly. "We work hand in hand with physicians, nurses, all the disciplines. It is very challenging to manage the airway while the procedure is going on."
Students appreciate the hands-on nature of the training and how beneficial the simulations are for their learning styles. The use of materials like Jell-O offers visual feedback, allowing students to see their actions in real time, which boosts their confidence and skill level. Despite the unusual nature of using food, students find the practice valuable in learning to perform complex procedures.
In addition to their training, these students will gain real-world experience through clinical work at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and private homes. With a degree in respiratory care and proper licensing, they will be prepared to work in various healthcare settings, where they can apply their skills in helping patients with respiratory issues.
