Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
11:45
Creation of a High-Fidelity, Low-Cost, Intraosseous Line Placement Task Trainer via 3D Printing
Published on: August 17, 2022
2.3K
Mass-Casualty Training Exercise Using High-Fidelity Computerized Simulators and Involving Time and Resource
Phillip A Jacobson1, Paul N Severin1, Dino P Rumoro2
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care, Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IllinoisUSA.
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
|April 13, 2021
Summary
High-fidelity simulators effectively train emergency personnel for mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) under realistic time and resource constraints. Participants found the training highly satisfactory and recommended it for essential MCI preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Simulation
- Disaster Preparedness
Background:
- Training emergency department (ED) personnel for mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) presents unique challenges.
- Innovative approaches are crucial for effective MCI preparedness.
- High-fidelity computerized simulators (HFCS) offer a potential solution for realistic training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of HFCS in training healthcare personnel for MCIs.
- To explore the value of incorporating time and resource limitations in MCI training exercises.
- To assess participant satisfaction and perceived quality of the simulation-based training.
Main Methods:
- Simulated an explosive blast event with 12 victims using HFCS.
- Conducted five training exercises with different healthcare teams (n=42) under limited time and resources.
- Collected data through direct observation and post-exercise participant surveys (Likert scale, categorical responses).
Main Results:
- Trainee satisfaction ratings averaged 4.1-4.6/5.0 and program quality/usefulness ratings were 9.2-9.5/10.0.
- 100% of respondents recommended the exercise for MCI training.
- Observed critical resource depletion (blood, ventilators) and suboptimal triage decisions (resuscitating expectant infants, early treatment of delayed victims).
Conclusions:
- A training exercise using HFCS with time and resource limitations is feasible and described.
- This simulation method is a preferred training approach for healthcare personnel in MCI care.
- The exercise highlighted critical areas for improvement in MCI response protocols.
