The Power of Healthcare Simulation | Erin Carn Bennett

How do you prepare healthcare professionals for situations a classroom can’t fully recreate? In this episode of the Paratus Podcast, Erin Carn Bennett explores the role of simulation in healthcare education and why effective training goes far beyond simply recreating clinical scenarios. From defining clear learning objectives and designing meaningful simulations to building trust and creating space for vulnerability, Erin explains what it takes to develop programs where healthcare professionals can learn, practice, and improve before facing similar challenges with real patients. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of simulation: overcoming organizational resistance, balancing frequency with available resources, starting small, and scaling a program over time. Beyond individual skills, Erin discusses how simulation can influence team dynamics, continuous learning, staff retention, and organizational culture—and where healthcare simulation could be heading next. A practical conversation about creating better learning environments and helping healthcare teams prepare for the moments that matter most. This Week's Paratus Podcast Guest: Erin Carn‑Bennett is a simulation consultant and senior paediatric ED nurse based in New Zealand, with 18+ years in emergency and pediatric care.  She’s the Director of Med Sim Solutions, has a Master of Nursing, and additional training in professional supervision and critical incident debriefing. Erin is known for building psychologically safe, high‑fidelity, scenario-based training that strengthens leadership, communication, and decision-making in real clinical environments.  About Paratus Medical: Binders. Word documents. Paper printouts. Medical protocols contain critical knowledge that can save lives, yet they are often trapped in formats that are difficult to manage, track, and use in high-pressure situations.  Frontline professionals are frequently expected to remember hundreds of pages of procedures when seconds matter most. Paratus Medical develops digital tools that help organizations manage protocols more effectively while supporting frontline responders in emergency and critical care situations. Our solutions are used across EMS, intensive care units, patient transport services, first responder organizations, maritime operations, and even space medicine through our partnership with the Canadian Space Agency. Learn more 👉https://paratusmedical.com/  The Paratus Podcast: Created in 2025, the Paratus Podcast features short, expert-driven conversations on preparedness, healthcare innovation, and real-world emergency response.  Each episode delivers practical insights and stories from professionals working on the front lines. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.