To intubate or to resuscitate: the effect of simulation-based training on advanced airway management during simulated

C Donath1, A Leonhardt1, T Stibane2

  • 1Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.

Insights

A 2-day simulation-based training improved paediatric airway management, significantly shortening endotracheal intubation duration and reducing chest compression interruptions during simulated resuscitations.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Education
  • Paediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Simulation Training

Background:

  • Assessing the impact of structured simulation-based training (SBT) on paediatric airway management.
  • Focus on basic and advanced airway techniques during simulated paediatric resuscitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure the effect of a 2-day paediatric simulation-based training (SBT) on airway management.
  • Evaluate changes in ventilation initiation, endotracheal intubation (ETI), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality.

Main Methods:

  • Standardized paediatric high-fidelity SBT conducted in 11 children's hospitals.
  • Pre- and post-training assessment using audio-video recorded scenarios.
  • Performance evaluation checklist assessing airway management and life support interventions.

Main Results:

  • Teams improved selection of airway equipment and significantly shortened ETI duration post-SBT.
  • Chest compression interruptions during ETI decreased significantly (73% PRE vs. 43% POST).
  • Adequate chest compression resumption post-intubation improved (46% PRE vs. 74% POST).

Conclusions:

  • SBT shortened advanced airway management duration, reducing ventilation interruptions.
  • Improved airway management positively impacted chest compression quality during paediatric resuscitations.
  • Tailoring SBT to the workplace may enhance its effectiveness in paediatric resuscitation.
Abstract