WRCO-RICHLAND-HOSPITAL
The Richland Hospital and Clinics Birth Center to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program for maternal and newborn simulation training
Sep 28, 2026, 1:33 PM CT
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The Richland Hospital and Clinics Birth Center has been chosen as one of just three rural healthcare facilities in the entire United States to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program for maternal and newborn simulation training. Developed through a high-profile collaborative partnership between the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Laerdal (lair-dal) Medical, the initiative equips rural medical teams with advanced, realistic emergency response training designed to safeguard mothers and infants during delivery.
The high-fidelity simulation training stems from Laerdal Medical’s global "One Million Lives" initiative, which focuses on elevating healthcare outcomes worldwide. Built around realistic scenario-based learning, the program emphasizes team coordination, continuous education, and emergency preparedness. By immersing birth center staff in hands-on clinical challenges, the curriculum reinforces rapid decision-making and optimal patient safety standards in critical care moments.
Throughout the pilot, Birth Center nurses and family practice physicians engaged with state-of-the-art birthing simulators in a controlled, safe environment. The drills covered both routine obstetrical care and urgent life-saving interventions, including neonatal resuscitation, severe maternal hemorrhage response, multi-disciplinary team communication, and sudden labor complications. Research provided by Laerdal underscores that immersive simulation directly correlates with improved clinical performance and enhanced patient survival and health outcomes.
To ensure long-term clinical excellence, Laerdal supplied specialized equipment, rich educational materials, and robust data tracking systems to measure clinical readiness. "This unique partnership positions The Richland Hospital and Clinics as a leader in rural maternal health and supports our commitment to safe, high-quality care for the families we serve," stated Ken Nelson, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. Birth Center leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that as one of the region's primary rural maternity providers, participating in this program reinforces their foundational commitment to exceptional, top-tier care for every mother and infant.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
