High Risk, Low Volume: Evaluation of a Reusable Cricothyrotomy Model in a Paramedic Difficult Airway Training Course

Cricothyrotomy is rarely performed by prehospital providers. Developing this low-frequency, high-acuity skill and maintaining competence is difficult; thus, using a realistic training model is paramount to successful training. The aim of this study was to evaluate a 3-dimensional-printed bleeding cricothyrotomy trainer in increasing paramedic comfort level and procedural competence as defined by completing the procedure unassisted without error.

Model implementation took place during mandatory biannual difficult airway training courses for all paramedics employed by a hospital-based ambulance agency. Participating paramedics performed 3 surgical cricothyrotomies using the bleeding trainer and subsequently completed an anonymous written survey that evaluated the comfort level of providers in performing a surgical cricothyrotomy both before and after training using a 10-point visual analog scale.

Forty-four paramedics participated in the difficult airway training course. All (44/44) completed the postsurvey. Participants noted that their procedural skill comfort level improved after the training took place (average improvement of 3 ± 1.93). Participants also indicated that the high-fidelity trainer played a significant role in their increased comfort after skills training.

The bleeding cricothyrotomy model evaluated provides a high-fidelity, cost-effective means of teaching and maintaining a rare, lifesaving skill that is rarely performed in the field.