Critical Care Transport: Blunt Polytrauma in Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Trauma in pregnancy is increasing, posing unique challenges due to physiologic changes.
• Optimal resuscitation requires understanding these changes for airway, breathing, and circulation.
• This case involves a pregnant patient with polytrauma, shock, and fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a simulation's effectiveness in educating healthcare professionals on pregnant trauma patient care.
• To enhance skills in trauma surveys, fracture management, and shock resuscitation.
• To improve understanding of pregnancy-specific adaptations in trauma scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A high-fidelity simulation of a pregnant trauma patient was developed.
• Participants underwent pre- and post-simulation knowledge tests.
• Learner performance and feedback were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Participant scores improved from 60% pre-simulation to 93.4% post-simulation.
• 100% of participants found the content relevant and effective.
• Simulation training improved understanding of imaging, blood products, TXA, fetal heart rate, and pelvic binders.

Conclusions:

• The simulation is effective for professional licensure training in pregnant trauma care.
• It successfully improved critical care teams' knowledge and skills.
• The training is well-received and meets educational needs for this special population.