Optimizing Trauma Resuscitation Education: A Year-Long In-Situ Simulation Curriculum

Ashika Jain, MD, Nelly Parisot, MD, Michael J. Klein, MD, Janice Shin-Kim, MD, Brian Lin, MD, Julia Paris, MD, Shannon McNamara, MD, Jessica Strauss, MD, Soma Pathak, MD

Delivering optimal care in a trauma resuscitation requires a highly coordinated and skilled team. Traditional learning methods, while valuable, may not fully prepare healthcare professionals for the high-pressure environment of a real-life trauma situation. In-situ simulation (ISS) training offers a powerful alternative by enabling teams to practice within their actual working environment with realistic scenarios. This curriculum was written by our Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery faculty and outlines a year-long in-situ program designed for our Level I trauma centers. The program aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and teamwork of healthcare professionals involved in trauma care. It fosters a collaborative learning environment for interdisciplinary and interprofessional teams.

Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of in-situ simulation training in trauma care. A review by Steinemann et al. showed that ISS training led to improvements in team communication, leadership, and resource management [1]. Similarly, Miller et al. found that ISS training significantly improved non-technical skills, including situational awareness and prioritization, during real trauma resuscitations [2]. These findings suggest that ISS training can translate theoretical knowledge into improved clinical practice.

This curriculum features monthly ISS scenarios focusing on a variety of common and challenging trauma presentations. Each scenario is designed to be completed within a one-hour timeframe, minimizing disruption to patient care. Each scenario is followed by a facilitated debriefing session led by experienced faculty. Debriefing focuses on performance strengths and weaknesses, promoting reflection and improvement. By practicing in a realistic environment and receiving targeted feedback, healthcare professionals can develop the skills and teamwork necessary to optimize patient outcomes in time-critical trauma situations.

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Curriculum:

MVA: Pneumothorax

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/11Jbbcu4T0VfIKx1XLzg902BmBplu7o6J/edit

MVA: Liver Laceration

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/10CQ6fZ6y340ykp-z5m5nNNP16P8DUFly/edit?dls=true

Fall: Open Pelvic Fracture

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LZJyPxMYh2M_onjrciXUqciRRk06jLpT/edit

MVA: Femur Fracture with Hemorrhagic Shock

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M5oEfMTJ64HUEDHEUld-SxDSYmA8Wh3N/edit

MVA: Pregnant Patient

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sJg53IM2dszKaxMZozhy0o33MJ2fDSQ6/edit

Neurogenic Shock

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lzIq9SffTTXmooHVWzOaTtj3MW2Dxw3W/edit

Stab Wound: Pericardial Effusion

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A4dHV_I7WotRIn0-Xa3JGXBjUAs1RQUn/edit

GSW: Tension Pneumothorax

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/19k7igX52C85PeVVG9XvV6qtSMa-cdeQY/edit

Fall: Epidural Hematoma

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wKt76lyiYo9ba7la7fuQtEd3NAgVVIID/edit

Surgical Airway in Trauma

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/15de9Dmom_T8bRAr82ANFHGRClWDXxGac/edit?dls=true

AKA

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KCCIbGqsqZDKDaVHSYw82kWbuFAsol91/edit

MVA: Liver Laceration and AMS

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o1E0Ozn2-HUFYndR1uE5tGpslxr5jKdl/edit

References

• Steinemann, S., et al. (2011). In situ simulation-based trauma team training: A pilot study. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 19(1), 1-7.
• Miller, R. D., et al. (2012). The impact of in situ simulation on trauma team performance. The American Journal of Surgery, 204(2), 225-232

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