AdventHealth held an emergency simulation training exercise at its Minneola facility, bringing together hospital care teams and local EMS crews, according to an April 2 announcement. The immersive session aimed to strengthen coordination and ensure patients receive prompt, whole-person care during medical emergencies.
The initiative is intended to prepare staff for real-life situations where seamless teamwork can impact patient outcomes. High-fidelity simulations are designed to help nurses, physicians, and first responders work through complex scenarios before actual emergencies occur.
The training included two high-risk scenarios: treating a child after an accidental medication overdose and resuscitating a patient using a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). Dr. Jermaine Deacon, assistant emergency medical director at AdventHealth Minneola, said, “Emergencies aren’t scheduled, and chaos doesn’t ask for permission. Training alongside our EMS partners allows us to identify challenges, strengthen communication and ensure patients receive seamless care.”
Kevin Alfaro, an ER nurse at AdventHealth Minneola, highlighted the importance of hands-on experience in preparing for critical cases. “Hands-on simulations are everything for us in the ER,” said Alfaro. “Knowledge is power, but being able to apply it in the moment is what really matters. These scenarios build muscle memory, so when a high-risk case comes in, we’re not hesitating, we’re acting.”
The event marked the first time such a simulation was held at the new AdventHealth Minneola facility and the first conducted with Lake County Fire Rescue since opening. Alejandra Smart of Lake County EMS said clear communication between paramedics and hospital staff directly impacts patient outcomes: “Time is everything… When we’re aligned, patients receive better treatment and have better outcomes.”
Exercises like this demonstrate ongoing efforts by AdventHealth teams to maintain readiness for emergencies through skill development and collaboration across disciplines.
Located in Orlando since 1908,AdventHealth Orlando serves as both a pediatric center and training hospital, according to available information.
