7 Reasons Why the Medicine Hat Team is Grateful for the Rural Mobile Simulation
When the Rural Mobile Simulation van rolled into the St. Joseph’s Home in Medicine Hat, it brought more than just equipment and training. It also brought confidence, courage, and personal insight to local care providers.
The Rural Mobile Simulation (RMS) program is a hands-on training initiative that brings realistic, high-stakes and everyday clinical scenarios directly to rural healthcare teams. By simulating real-world situations in a safe learning environment, it strengthens clinical skills, teamwork, and readiness right where they are needed most.
Registered Nurse Marcella Bachmeier shares why the RMS experience meant so much to her team and to the community they care for.
1) The simulation felt real – and in a real medical crisis, this matters a great deal.
As part of the RMS experience, Marcella and her team were given a medical scenario and were asked to respond as they would in real life. Each person took on a specific role and together, they worked through an unfolding emergency.
Their specific scenario involved a patient experiencing a seizure. The simulation felt so authentic that Marcella found herself instinctively comforting the mannequin
“I almost forgot it was just a simulation – I ended up comforting the mannequin and holding its hand!” she shared.
This kind of realism is key to building readiness and delivering calm, competent care when these situations arise.
2) It helped the team feel ready for the unexpected.
In rural palliative settings, emergencies and acute events do not happen every day, but when they do, teams need to be ready. The simulation gave them a safe space to practice their response and fine-tune their instincts.
“It reminded us that we can handle emergencies,” Marcella shared.
That kind of preparation brings peace of mind not just to staff, but to families and patients too.
3) It highlighted the strength of local teams.
The simulation assigned roles and asked each person to respond as they would in a real-life crisis.
“People’s strengths shine in emergency situations,” Marcella gratefully shared.“This simulation helped bring those strengths out, and it helped us learn from each other.”
It also deepened their respect for one another. “We’re a wonderful team,” she added. The simulation aims to strengthen teams that local families can count on in moments of crisis.
4) It helped rebuild confidence in their skills.
Marcella has been a nurse since 2007, but in her current role in palliative care, she rarely uses her emergency training. This session helped her reconnect with skills she had not practiced in years.
“We don’t give ourselves enough credit for our own skills and strengths,” she said.“This mobile simulation helped me remember how much I know and how much I can give.”
That renewed confidence can surely translate into stronger care for the community.
5) It turned anxiety into empowerment.
Many team members were nervous going in as many never experienced anything like this before. However, the facilitators created a safe and supportive environment, and the team rallied together. What began with hesitation ended with empowerment.
“In other trainings, we simply had to sit in front of a computer and click away. This RMS training is different because it prepares us for real situations. I really, really, value this,” Marcella reflects.
6) The debrief was honest, supportive and moving.
After the exercise, the team had a chance to reflect and share openly. Everyone was heard. “Some people were moved to tears,” Marcella said. “It was such a positive, encouraging experience.” That space for shared learning doesn’t just build skills – it also builds trust and teamwork. When rural teams are more connected and confident, patient care improves. Medical crises and emergencies are met with calm, coordinated responses that can truly save lives.
7) It reminded them of the "why" behind their work.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” Marcella shared. “Patient comfort is my top priority.” This simulation reminded her that readiness is part of that comfort she aims to provide, knowing they can respond swiftly and compassionately when something goes wrong. It also taught them to care for patients’ relatives and for one another in the process – a holistic approach that strengthens community-centered care.
In many rural communities, healthcare providers like Marcella and her team have limited access to advanced, hands-on training.
By supporting Covenant’s Rural Mobile Simulation program, you can help bridge that gap. Consider donating today.