KidSIM celebrates 20 years of saving lives at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and beyond

This story originally appeared in the Calgary Herald on December 6, 2025

As an emergency physician at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Dr. Vince Grant knows the stress of caring for a critically ill child.

He also knows the key to staying calm under pressure while providing the highest quality care is to have rock solid confidence in your skills. And 20 years ago, it sparked an innovative idea.

“I had been involved in resuscitation education at another hospital where we used pillows to represent patients,” says Grant. “Back then, pediatric simulation using life-like mannequins was an emerging field, and I believed with the spirit of giving strong in Calgary, we could build a program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital with the support of this great community.”

Through donations to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation funding a single life-like mannequin, the KidSIM Pediatric Simulation Program was born, creating a more realistic way for hospital experts to train for high pressure scenarios. Today, KidSIM is now a world-renowned leader in pediatric simulation, education and research that is transforming care and saving lives.

Thanks to the continued generosity of donors, KidSIM’s 3,600-sq.-ft. centre at the “new” Alberta Children’s Hospital is home to 16 high-fidelity mannequins, from infant size to teen. They can inhale and exhale and stop breathing; have pulses, seizures, and cardiac arrests as well as blink, cry, and bleed.

This state-of-the-art space also includes advanced equipment like CPR Feedback Systems to help even the most seasoned doctor practice the best quality CPR. KidSIM allows all health care providers – from physicians and nurses to patient care aides and pharmacists – to sharpen their skills including IV insertions, intubations and resuscitation drills to be ready for any child, in any situation.

“A professional sports team will never go into the big game without practicing beforehand,” says Dr. Kerri Landry, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician and KidSIM’s newest Medical Director. “The same goes for our health care practitioners at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Simulation helps us be the best team we can be and helps us save lives.”

KidSIM’s life-saving reach has extended beyond the hospital walls. Through its mobile outreach program, simulation specialists travel to smaller centres in southern Alberta to train other health care providers to enhance pediatric care in their communities.

In addition to supporting medical experts, donations have expanded KidSIM to provide hands-on training to parents of medically complex children, empowering them to confidently care for their child at home.

Ely Ladha was 29 days old when she needed a tracheostomy – a tube inserted into her windpipe – to breathe while she grew bigger for an operation to remove a mass in her nasal cavity. Thanks to KidSIM’s specialized training, Ely’s parents could learn about the complicated tracheostomy equipment that was keeping their baby alive and what to do in an emergency. Gaining those skills and confidence allowed them to safely take Ely home. Prior to this training, children with tracheostomies had to remain in hospital for a year or more.

“At home, Ely could play with her brother, go for walks, breathe fresh air. KidSIM gave her the opportunity to live her life and gave us the chance to be together as a family.”
– Aliya, Ely’s mom

Over the years, the program has expanded to teachers, school staff, and bus drivers too, which has been life-changing for kids in their care, says Grant. One of those, he recalls, was a child who was prone to seizures, and so was kept inside at recess.

“Once we empowered the teachers on how to manage the seizures, that child could finally go outside and play with their friends,” says Grant. “Can you imagine the change to that child’s quality of life?”

KidSIM is also a global leader in simulation research, advancing knowledge in resuscitation science, cardiac arrest, and patient safety. It has changed practice, informed policy, and improved children’s outcomes.

“By informing hospital design, supporting family-centered care for medically complex children and helping strengthen pediatric care in rural and remote communities, KidSIM plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our community and partners.”
– Dr. Kerri Landry

Looking back, Grant, who now serves as Medical Director for the eSIM Provincial Simulation Program for Alberta Health Services, is proud of how far KidSIM has come.

“It’s been remarkable to see how KidSIM has grown over 20 years, from those humble beginnings to a program the country and world admires,” says Grant. “I’m grateful to generous donors who continue to help this incredible team save lives every day.”