Pediatric Emergency Medicine Simulation Curriculum: Electrical Injury

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Simulation
• Critical Care

Background:

• Electrical injuries are uncommon but pose significant risks.
• Managing these emergencies requires specialized knowledge and skills.
• A realistic simulation is crucial for effective training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simulation case for managing electrical injuries.
• To enhance the skills of pediatric and emergency medicine trainees.
• To provide a realistic training environment for critical care scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A high-fidelity simulation using a mannequin in an emergency department setting.
• The case involved a 16-year-old male with ventricular tachycardia and hyperkalemia post-electrical injury.
• Debriefing tools were used for formative feedback.

Main Results:

• 40 residents, medical students, and fellows participated.
• Participants reported overwhelmingly positive feedback.
• Confidence in learning objectives increased, with mean scores of 4+ on a 5-point scale.

Conclusions:

• The simulation effectively prepares learners for high-acuity, low-frequency electrical injury scenarios.
• Participants practiced critical skills including airway management, CPR, defibrillation, and hyperkalemia management.
• The curriculum provides a standardized environment for recognizing and managing complex electrical emergencies.