Emergency preparedness: A simulation experience

BACKGROUND: With the global threats of terrorism, pandemics and other natural and manmade disasters, health care providers must be prepared to respond to disaster situations. DESCRIPTION: Emergency preparedness content was integrated across the curriculum. Initial classroom preparation included understanding the potential public health risks and emergency care worker roles in disasters. In the classroom, students learned triage principles and how to protect themselves. Next, they completed a community assessment to recognize potential for mass casualty events in their community. Analysis of the data enhanced discussion about issues related to emergency events (e.g. safety, food, shelter, exposure, maintenance of special-needs populations) as well as ethical issues. For the application piece, the phases of emergency management were implemented on campus using mock victims in realistic scenarios. High-fidelity simulation was incorporated in a mock ER setting where mock victims emerged onto the scene and were treated amongst the simulators. Using a simulated experience and post analysis reviews, students learned to follow communication plans for emergencies that reflected on their responses to the event. LESSONS LEARNED: Simulation added the dimension of emersion learning as students responded to the unpredictable physical and psychosocial responses of victims, health care workers, and the community. RECOMMENDATIONS: The provision of classroom and application activities enhanced attainment of the knowledge, skills and judgment required to provide the public with safe, effective and ethical care in emergency/disaster situations. Educators can lead emergency preparedness training through incorporation of hands on, real life experiences and controlled decision making through simulation.