LAKEWOOD – A medical emergency requires quick-thinking, teamwork and effective communication to prevent or eventually overcome.

On Thursday, Dr. David Todd, oral and maxillofacial surgeon at 120 Southwestern Drive in Lakewood, was given the opportunity to strengthen these skills at his practice with the aid of a remarkable piece of technology.

Called the SimMan, the full-body adult mannequin is, according to its manufacturer Laerdal, a “wireless patient simulator,” that gives doctors and medical staff the ability to address airway, breathing, cardiac and circulation management.

Dr. Todd, who put himself and his staff through a series of graded emergency scenarios Thursday, said the SimMan is a realistic and effective tool in getting his staff prepared for real-life emergencies.

“We have to be prepared for rare and potentially life-threatening emergencies, and with a simulator, we can simulate those emergencies and practice how to manage them,” Dr. Todd said. “Instead of going to a ‘Sim Center,’ the idea of this is that we’re going to use our own equipment, our own staff and our own building as we try to go through all the maneuvers.”

Rick Ritt, president of Dental Simulation Specialists of Chicago, Illinois, was at the training session to oversee the SimMan and manage the scenarios.

“With this type of training, we try to make all the bad things happen to show all of the possibilities that can go wrong,” Ritt said. “(The SimMan) can start wheezing, his airway can swell, he can have an airway obstruction or an allergic reaction.”

Ritt indicated how the SimMan’s chest moves up and down, and how an audible breathing sound can reveal the quality of his respiration. The SimMan can also have a locked jaw, a swollen tongue and even speak limited phrases regarding his condition.

“We monitor everything going on,” said Ritt, indicating how the SimMan is connected to a vital signs monitor, checking blood pressure, body temperature, etc. “There’s also a candid camera that (records) everything for debriefing, and (shows) ways (the staff) can improve their operations, equipment, supplies and procedures.”

Dr. Todd said the purpose of the training is to essentially optimize operations, and conduct what he referred to as “deliberate practice,” in which problem areas are specifically addressed, tackled and fixed.

Lori Holm, a registered nurse at the practice, said training with the SimMan was a huge positive.

“It helps the team know their roles better,” she said. “We were nervous (about the SimMan at first) … but we learned a lot and it makes you more comfortable knowing how the team works together.”