Student Lab Guide: Health Simulation Labs Fleming College Simulation Centre
Student Lab Guide: Health Simulation Labs
1.0 Preamble
The Health Simulation Labs provide an opportunity for students to learn in a realistic
environment, using real-world tools and technology to best prepare for their future careers.
Access to these spaces is a privilege that comes with it responsibility. The following document
outlines the expectations and responsibilities for students accessing these spaces.
Programs that have scheduled classes in the Health Simulation Labs include: Paramedic (PMD),
Respiratory Therapy (RT), Practical Nursing (PN), Personal Support Worker (PSW), Occupational
Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (POA) and Developmental Service Worker
(DSW).
2.0 Student Preparation
It is expected for students to arrive to lab on time and prepared to be fully engaged with the
knowledge and skills during each lab. It is the student's responsibility to complete the assigned
readings, assignments, discussions, modules etc., in relation to the weekly topic(s) outlined in
the coincided course outline.
Students will arrive to lab dressed appropriately, with appropriate materials and supplies.
Food and drink is not permitted in the labs.
3.0 Code of Professional Conduct
As stated in Fleming College Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy (#5-506), “Admission to
Fleming College carries with it certain rights and responsibilities. There is an expectation that
students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the College community.”
Fleming College students are representatives and ambassadors of the organization and have a
responsibility to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner, on and off
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campus. Failure to demonstrate professional conduct in the labs, could result in sanctions
under Student Rights and Responsibilities.
3.1 Respect for Persons
• Students will treat their peers, faculty, and staff with respect.
• Students will communicate in a respectful, professional, and appropriate manner,
without the use swearing, profanity or demeaning speech.
3.2 Respect for Property and College Facilities
• Students may not remove equipment or supplies from labs without express consent to
do so.
• Students will treat all equipment with respect and dignity.
• Students will not share swipe access and will not facilitate access to an individual who
does not have authorization.
• Students will respect and follow the rules of the lab.
• Students will clean up their work area after use.
• Students will follow all health and safety regulations.
• Students will follow all procedures to accessing and booking lab spaces.
3.3 Maintain Orderly Learning and Working Environment
• Students will follow the direction of faculty and staff.
• Students will respect that the labs are a shared space and will not limit access of
peaceful use for their peers.
3.4 Alcohol, Cannabis and Prohibited Substances
• Students may not arrive to lab or engage in lab activities in a state of intoxication due to
alcohol consumption or other substance.
• Students may not be in possession of alcohol while accessing the labs.
• Students may not be in the possession of any substance controlled under the Controlled
Drugs and Substances Act or the Food and Drug Act while accessing the labs.
3.5 Honesty
• Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity, as per the ethical
guidelines of respective professional organizations.
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4.0 Privacy and Confidentiality
4.1 Privacy & Confidentiality
The Health Simulation Labs, and areas accessed during lab time are to be treated as clinical
areas.
The privacy of peers should be observed. Discussion related to performance in lab, should not
be discussed outside of lab time.
4.2 Cell Phone Use & Photography
The use of cellphones and photography is prohibited during lab. Recording lessons during lab
time is not permitted.
Exceptions may be made if recording is required to enhance learning opportunities (i.e.:
reflecting on lifting form, etc.). Faculty will inform you if this is the case. Please keep in mind of
permitted to record, to obtain consent prior to recording and to have an awareness of
bystanders who may be in the background of the shot. Under no circumstances may
images/videos from these recordings be shared on social media platforms.
5.0 Attendance
Student attendance to lab classes is mandatory; students are expected to attend all scheduled
lab classes. Please also refer to Fleming College Class Absence Operating Procedure (#2-205 OP)
for expectations regarding class absences.
Students must provide at least five college business days prior to any sanctioned or planned
absences. Make-up labs will only be scheduled when appropriate supporting documentation is
provided for sanctioned, planned or unexpected absences at faculty discretion. Please see
section 4.0 of Policy #2-205 OP for more information regarding the provision of supporting
documentation.
5.1 Planned Absence Procedure
If students are unable to attend the lab due to an approved absence the following steps are to
be implemented:
• Notify the lab faculty.
• Discuss the potential to make-up lab and/or additional assignments.
• It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a make-up lab time. This must be done within
a reasonable time frame, prior to end of semester.
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• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the make up lab does not affect any other
class time/tests.
5.2 Make-Up Lab Procedure (PN, PSW, PMD Programs)
• Students must notify your clinical faculty of the missed skill. All skills must be practiced
in the lab prior to performing the skill in the clinical setting. This will be monitored with
lab faculty and the clinical coordinator.
• Each student is only entitled to TWO make up labs per semester.
• Student must provide as much advance notice as possible when missing a scheduled
lab. This can be done by emailing the faculty member directly indicating the course and
section in the subject line.
• Provide appropriate documentation (i.e., physician’s note, obituary, etc.) if student will
be absent from a scheduled lab.
• Arrive at the pre-determined scheduled make-up lab time. If the student is not able to
produce appropriate documentation for their absence, they must provide a receipt from
the Registrar’s Office indicating that $100.00 make-up lab fee has been paid in full.
5.3 Implications for Non-Compliance (PN, PSW, PMD Programs)
• No more than two (2) make-up labs will be scheduled for any one student per
semester. Failure to attend more than two regularly scheduled skills labs per semester
will preclude the student from completing the mandatory skills lab course.
• Make-up labs will not be rescheduled. Students will be given one opportunity to
complete a make-up lab. If the make-up lab is missed, the student will not be permitted
to continue in their skills lab course, or in clinical.
• All make-up labs must be completed prior to final practicums.
6.0 Uniform Expectations
Students are expected to arrive to lab professionally dressed in program uniform. Uniform
expectations include:
• Clean, pressed, full uniform
• Fleming OneCard presented on upper chest
• No rings or bracelets (a plain wedding band is allowed)
• No perfumes or scented products -- the labs are a scent free environment
• Due to infection control, no nail polish, or artificial nails
• Hair off the shoulders in a secure fashion
• Studded facial and ear piercings only
• Clean, closed-toe/heel footwear
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6.1 Practical Nursing
• Fleming College approved scrubs only
• No jackets or sweaters
• Arms bare below elbows
• Working watch with a second hand
6.2 Personal Support Worker
• PSW program scrubs (blue)
• Working watch with a second hand (semester two)
6.3 Paramedic
• Uniform tech pants with safety belt
• Paramedic Program shirt, tucked in -- option of 1) button down uniform shirt (navy); 2)
black t-shirt; 3) long sleeve shirt (navy); 4) paramedic high visibility sweater
• Green patch safety footwear, black, laces properly tied
• Personal driver’s licence on their person always
• Stethoscope
• Outer wear (high visibility) as appropriate for lab/outdoor activities
• No hoodies or unapproved paramedic sweaters
6.4 Respiratory Therapy
• RT Program scrubs (burgundy)
• No jackets or sweaters
• Arms bare below elbows
• Working watch with a second hand
6.5 Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
• Clean lab shirt
• Clean professional black pants (no yoga pants or jeans)
6.6 Developmental Support Worker
• Clean professional attire (no yoga pants or jeans)
7.0 Lab Kits
Program lab kits are considered a mandatory course material for students in Practical Nursing,
Personal Support Worker, Paramedic and Developmental Service Worker programs. Kits are
available for purchase at the Campus Store, one kit per student.
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Lab kits are required for each lab class, unless otherwise instructed by faculty. Students who
arrive to lab without their kit, are unprepared and must schedule a make-up lab. Students are
to bring their lab kit to each lab.
Supplies for use during lab activities will be used from student purchased kits and will not be
provided by technologists of faculty. Students may purchase additional items for individual
practice from the Campus Store.
For PN and PSW programs, testing kits are included with the purchase of a lab kit. Students who
do not purchase a lab kit, will not be permitted to complete practicum.
8.0 Equipment Use Expectations
8.1 Appropriate Use & Storage
Students must handle all supplies and medical equipment in accordance with recognized
standards for proper care and cleaning.
Students may use equipment and supplies only for which they are trained. When accessing
equipment, students must ensure that equipment is powered down, returned to its proper
storage space, and placed on charge if required.
Manikins must be treated as human patients. Ensure proper care, handling and respect.
Lab equipment is for demonstration and practice only. Medical devices in lab should not be
used for diagnostic, therapeutic or lifesaving procedures. If a medical emergency arises, follow
the emergency procedure, outlined in section 10.2 of this document.
8.2 Cleaning
Ensure that indoor shoes are worn in lab. If safety footwear is required for your program,
please ensure that footwear is appropriately cleaned before entering lab, and that floor is
cleaned if dirt is tracked into the lab.
All workstations will be cleaned prior to end of lab and/or practice.
8.3 Physical Fitness & Lifting
It is expected that students have awareness of their abilities, and work within them. Students
should not use lifting equipment if they are not able to safely do so. This can create a risk of
injury, as well as a risk of damage to equipment.
Equipment must not be loaded beyond the manufacturers indicated weight limits.
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8.4 Reporting
If a piece of equipment is damaged, take out of service and place a note on the item. If during
regular lab time or scheduled practice time, inform faculty and/or technologist and/or mentor.
If equipment is damaged during independent lab time, inform Simulation Centre Staff by
emailing Simulation@[Link] outlining what happened, and what is not functioning
properly. If the equipment was damaged resulting in physical injury or a near miss for physical
injury, an incident must be reporting. Reference section 10.1 for further detail regarding
incident reporting.
8.5 Ambulance
Students enrolled in the Paramedic Program may drive the Fleming College Ambulance to
satisfy course driving requirements. Refer to the Standard Operating Guidelines—Student
Ambulance Bookings for details relating to student use of the ambulance. This document will be
posted on relevant D2L course page.
9.0 Practice Labs
Each program addresses practice time differently, as determined by the unique needs of each
program. Regardless of the program, lab use expectations are the same in practice lab, and
during independent lab use as they are during scheduled course time.
Access to labs is strictly limited to only students who are enrolled in the program for each
associated lab.
9.1 Scheduled Practice Labs
Students accessing scheduled practice lab time with supervision may drop-in at a time that
works within their schedule. Students must arrive in uniform, with practice supplies for the
skills they would like to practice. Students may request the equipment that they would like to
use from the supervising lab assistant or technologist. Workstations must be left clean and
organized following use.
Students accessing practice lab, must sign in using the practice lab QR code posted in the lab.
9.2 Booking Procedure
Students who are accessing the lab for unsupervised independent lab practice must book their
time in advance by emailing Simulation@[Link]. Requests will receive a response
within 2 business days. More than one student group may book the lab at one time, as such
resources must be shared respectfully.
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Students may book the lab during the regular semester as long as the College is open.
It is expected that the lab is left clean and tidy, and that all equipment is returned to its proper
storage area.
Students accessing the lab for unsupervised independent practice, must sign in using the
practice lab QR code posted in the lab.
Health Lab D (A1134) is classified as a high hazard lab and cannot be booked for student use
without supervision.
9.3 Privilege
Student use of the Health Simulation Labs is a privilege afforded to students to develop skills
and competency in clinical practice. If it is discovered that students are not abiding by the rules
of the lab or the Code of Professional Conduct this privilege can be revoked at any time.
9.4 Intercession Procedure
In unique situations, students may be granted access to practice time during intercession
periods. Student must continue to request to book the space during these times. Restrictions
will be in place during these times, including:
1. Students may only book during regular business hours (0800-1600), Monday-Friday and
not on holidays.
2. Student enrollment must be confirmed for the upcoming semester.
3. Students must complete a Lab Access Waiver and submit to
Simulation@[Link] for approved access.
10.0 Health and Safety
10.1 Incident Reporting
Any medical incidents that occur in the Health Simulation Labs must be reported. College
security must be contacted, and a report must be filed for liability mitigation, see section 10.2
for contact information.
In addition, an incident report must be filed electronically. The Student Accident/Incident
Report Form can be found on the Fleming College Health & Safety website.
Inform Simulation Centre Staff of an incident by emailing Simulation@[Link].
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10.2 Emergency Procedures
It is crucial that all faculty, staff, and students are familiar with emergency procedures in the
event of an unplanned incident.
• In the event of an emergency in which police, paramedic(s) and/or firefighting measures
are required, call 9-1-1 immediately, followed by Campus Security at ext. 4444.
• For other non-life-threatening incidents, contact Campus Security at ext. 8000.
In the event of a suspected gas leak in A1134:
• Turn off Emergency shut off located at the panel on the half wall at the front of room
A1134.
• Call Security Ext. 4-4-4-4 immediately.
• Remove all equipment, flowmeters and regulators from headwalls.
10.3 Biosafety and Sharp Safety
Routine practices and universal precautions should be employed for any lab activity sharps
involving needles, lancets, or medication vials/ampules.
• Gloves will be worn and disposed of immediately and changed between each patient.
• Only safety engineered needles with guards may be used in the Simulation Labs.
• All sharps are to be disposed of immediately into a puncture and leak proof sharps
container.
• Needles will not be re-sheathed.
• Sharps containers will not be filled more than ¾ full or past the marked fill line.
• Position the sharps container near the point of use i.e.: within 2-meters of the
workstation.
• Uncapped sharps will not be transported away from a workstation.
• Do not cut, bend or shear needles.
Blood glucose determination will only be completed with a faculty member present and
supervising.
10.4 Use of Oxygen, Medical Gases and Suction
• Due to risk of aerosolization and contamination, students are to use mobile and
mounted suction devices for simulated fluids only.
• Oxygen should be applied only to manikins in simulated environments, never for human
consumption.
• Oxygen must not be used near heat, flame, or petroleum products.
• All flowmeters and regulators will be checked at the end of each lab to ensure that they
have been closed/turned off.
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• All tubing and/or equipment connected to oxygen, medical gas and/or suction must be
disconnected from headwalls in A1134 at the end of each lab.
• Oxygen cylinders are to be stored in a secure, upright position when not in use.
10.5 Safe Patient Handling and Lifting
Safe Patient Handling involves the use of ergonomics and safety procedures to avoid using
manual exertion and limit the risk of injury. Students may be required to lift and transfer
colleagues, manikins or other equipment as a requirement for their program. There are
inherent risks associated with improper posture and body mechanics, including possible
musculoskeletal injury that could be caused by poor lift technique, so it is important that
appropriate teaching and monitoring is exercised for injury prevention.
General Safety Guidelines for Patient Handling and Lifting
• Keep weight close to body.
• Avoid bending, twisting, and jerking.
• Ensure there is a clear path prior to initiating lift or transfer.
• Ensure proper body mechanics and spinal alignment when lifting; ensure lifting with legs
rather than with back.
• Be aware of the weight limitations of lifting/transferring equipment; reference manuals
as necessary.
• Mechanical lifts must be always operated by two individuals.
• Ensure proper footwear is worn when lifting (i.e. no slip shoes, steel-toed boots).
• Ensure effective communication when lifting/transferring with a partner.
• Do not participate in a lift/transfer you are not physically able to complete safely.
• Communicate any injuries or medical reasons for which you may not be able to lift the
prescribed weight.
• Any lifting must always include two attendees.
10.6 Student Responsibilities
• Comply with Code of Professional Conduct in section 3.0 of this document.
• Comply with uniform expectations.
• Comply with Fleming College Health and Safety policies and regulations.
• Be present for health and safety lessons and/or training and plan with faculty if a lesson
is missed.
• Inform faculty of any health-related contraindications to specific lab activities.
• Follow all classroom and equipment safety rules and procedures.
• Practice safe work procedures.
• Report all unsafe conditions, equipment, practices, and injuries to the instructor.
• Use safety equipment, materials, chemical and equipment as directed by the instructor
and as they were designed.
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• Do not use equipment or attempt routines if untrained, unsure, or unsupervised.
• Clean equipment, waste and spills as created as to avoid slip hazards.
• Students are ensure that they are familiar with the College’s emergency response
procedures and the location of safety and emergency equipment.
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