College introduces AI mannequin ALEX to help students practice clinical skills
“From my perspective, as a registered nurse, I find this type of simulation incredibly valuable in preparing learners for clinical practice.” Emily Rees, Health and Social Care Lecturer.
The health and social care team at Coleg Sir Gâr has introduced new AI technology into class with a simulator mannequin.
ALEX is a mannequin designed with cutting-edge technologies, to provide realistic simulations for medical training, which allows students to practice their clinical and patient interaction skills.
It’s a very immersive approach which provides a safe and controlled environment for learners to practice and refine their techniques, before working in a real clinical setting.
The mannequin uses live CPR metrics with real time feedback and provides instant insights into compression depth, rate and hand placement.
The technology caters well to a range of learning styles and encourages self-assessment and reflective practice helping students respond to realistic scenarios.
With an advanced speech facility, ALEX can listen and respond and with IrisCam technology, which allows live streaming and recording of sessions, it assesses from the patient’s perspective, the most critical viewpoint.
It also provides comprehensive training for practicing intubation, ventilation, suction, CPR and airway management techniques. It supports various intubation methods and airway device insertions and allows for the practice of the Sellick manoeuvre with accurate trachea and oesophagus simulation.
Registered nurse, Emily Rees, a health and social care lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “Using the simulation mannequin in practice sessions has allowed my students to safely develop confidence in recognising effective communication, identifying a deteriorating patient, and applying the fundamentals of care.
“It encourages clinical thinking, teamwork, and communication in a realistic but supportive environment, helping to bridge the gap between theory and real patient care.
“From my perspective, as a registered nurse, I find this type of simulation incredibly valuable in preparing learners for clinical practice.”
Dean of Faculty for Health and Wellbeing, Technology, Arts and Services, Rebecca Davies, along with Vicky Davies, head of Health, Childcare and Counselling, were integral in securing the new facility for students through a recent bid.
Rebecca Davies said: “By investing in innovative technologies, we are transforming the learning experience for our students.
“The integration of AI simulation and virtual environments enhances clinical competence by supporting experiential learning, reflective practice, and the development of sound clinical judgement, ensuring learners are fully prepared for real-world clinical practice.”
Tia Outen (pictured) is currently a level two core health and social care student who is progressing with us next year with the career aim of becoming a paramedic.