Simulation at Scale: What It Really Takes Behind the Scenes

In this episode of Advancing Health Care Through Simulation, Lisa George is joined by Tom Waring and Bree Weyland from the NAIT Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to deliver a large-scale, high-impact simulation experience.

The conversation centers on a recent Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) simulation, which brought together over 115 students from multiple health disciplines across Alberta. Designed around a realistic building collapse scenario, the simulation required learners to collaborate across the full continuum of care—from on-scene triage with paramedics and firefighters to treatment in both rural and tertiary hospital environments.

Tom and Bree walk through how this complex event was built from the ground up, offering insight into the often unseen role of simulation technologists (SimTechs) in designing, coordinating, and executing immersive learning environments.

Key themes explored in this episode include:

• how early involvement in planning shapes what’s possible in simulation design
• the process of building realistic patient characters to drive clinical decision-making
• the importance of standardized patient (SP) preparation and consistency at scale
• how makeup, environment design, and storytelling contribute to immersion
• managing real-time communication across a distributed simulation environment
• adapting on the fly when carefully planned scenarios inevitably break down
• how learners evolve from individuals into high-functioning teams under pressure
• the growing role of AI tools (like in-house platforms) in simulation development
• the future of the SimTech profession as it expands into design, research, and education

This episode highlights that simulation is not just about equipment or scenarios—it’s about people, planning, adaptability, and creating environments where learners can safely experience the complexity of real-world healthcare.

About:
NAIT Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation – Visit here

This series was produced by Road 55 in Edmonton, Alberta – Learn more at: road55.ca

What is Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation?

Welcome to Advancing Healthcare Through Simulation, a series exploring the critical role of simulation in shaping the future of healthcare. This series highlights NAIT's Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation (CAMS) as a hub for healthcare simulation, workforce development, and innovation.

Through conversations with experts, industry leaders, and educators, we’ll explore how simulation is transforming patient care, medical training, and healthcare innovation. Each episode is designed to enhance awareness and understanding of CAMS while positioning it as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

Join us as we share strategic insights, compelling stories, and forward-thinking perspectives on the power of simulation in advancing healthcare.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.nait.ca/centre-for-advanced-medical-simulation