UPDATE: The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has unveiled its revolutionary mobile classroom, the “Simbulance,” designed to equip future doctors with hands-on emergency medical experience. The initiative, launched on October 24, 2025, in Moultrie, Georgia, is set to transform medical education by immersing students in lifelike emergency scenarios before they even enter a hospital.
Inside the Simbulance, a state-of-the-art ambulance simulator, students interact with a computerized manikin named Ricky, which can simulate real medical emergencies, including fluctuating vital signs, coughing, and even bleeding. This immersive technology is part of PCOM’s expanding Simulation Center, which aims to prepare medical students for high-pressure situations they will face in their careers.
Bryan James Arwood, a registered nurse and member of PCOM’s simulation team, emphasized the impact of this technology on student learning. “We can make Ricky’s pulse weaken, alter his blood pressure, and even enable him to talk through a voice system,” Arwood explained. “This experience provides students with a taste of what it’s like to make quick decisions in an ER setting—safely.”
The current manikin model, the SimMan 3G, is being upgraded to the SimMan 3G Plus, enhancing realism with features like fluid simulation and responsive skin. Each training session lasts between 15 to 20 minutes, allowing students to react dynamically to evolving medical conditions, mirroring real-world emergencies.
Arwood noted that these hands-on experiences bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical patient care. “It’s one thing to read about treating a patient, but it’s another to feel a pulse, hear labored breathing, and make those decisions in the moment. That’s where real learning happens,” he stated.
The establishment of the Simbulance signifies a pivotal shift in medical training, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning in developing competent, confident healthcare professionals. With technology advancing rapidly, PCOM is committed to ensuring its students are not only knowledgeable but also adept at navigating the complexities of emergency medicine.
As future doctors engage with the Simbulance, the impact on their educational journey and eventual patient care will be profound. This innovative approach is expected to set a new standard in medical training, highlighting PCOM’s dedication to excellence in healthcare education.
Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking initiative that is revolutionizing the future of medical training at PCOM.
