Pediatric Trauma Interprofessional Simulation: 5-Year-Old Pedestrian Struck by a Motor Vehicle

Abstract

Abstract This resource is a pediatric trauma interprofessional human simulation. It is designed for general and pediatric surgery programs to utilize for their trainees. This simulation provides residents with experience in a scenario that will probably occur in practice but rarely occurs during residency. In it, the learner must assume the leadership role and manage a trauma in the emergency department after a child is struck by a motor vehicle. The patient rapidly loses blood volume from a retro-hepatic injury and requires a trauma thoracotomy to manage hypotension. A difficult airway is also incorporated into the scenario. This resource contains the scenario details, an instructional guide, and radiographs to support implementation. The instructional guide lists references for the learners to review prior to attending the simulation. The main learner is intended to be a senior pediatric surgery trainee or general surgery resident. Other learners include an anesthesia resident and nurses. The learners must overcome professional barriers to ask for help; demonstrate the correct sequence of steps to perform a trauma evaluation, resuscitation, and thoracotomy; and use situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR) communication between team members. We utilized videotaping when we implemented this resource, with a review of the tape by our learners prior to a debriefing discussion. Although videotaping is recommended, it is not necessary as the resource contains a list of debriefing questions that facilitate discussion, self-assessment, and learning after the scenario has been implemented. After participation, the learner will be better prepared to lead a complicated pediatric trauma resuscitation. This simulation is distinct in its interprofessional focus, in the learner group it targets, and in the complexity of leadership, communication, and technical skill it requires.

Keywords

• Trauma
• Wounds and Injuries
• Thoracotomy