Minicomputer simulation of medical emergencies and advanced life support.

A low-cost minicomputer system was designed to simulate certain medical emergencies that require basic and advanced life support treatment. The simulation required students to use both didactic and psychomotor skills to treat various emergency situations within a realistic time period. The minicomputer system provided the signs and symptoms of the emergency condition and updated the patient's status during treatment. The student could select various clinical examinations or provide basic and advanced life support therapeutic modalities. Under the direction of the computer, the student could perform the clinical examination or provide indicated treatment at a clinical testing station, using available basic and advanced life support equipment.