Simulation-based training of medical teams to manage chemical warfare casualties.
With chemical warfare becoming an imminent threat, medical systems need to be prepared to treat the resultant mass casualties. Medical preparedness should not be limited to the triage and logistics of mass casualties and first-line treatment, but should include knowledge and training covering the whole medical spectrum. In view of the unique characteristics of chemical warfare casualties the use of simulation-assisted medical training is highly appropriate. Our objective was to explore the potential of simulator-based teaching to train medical teams in the treatment of chemical warfare casualties. The training concept integrates several types of skill-training simulators, including high tech and low tech simulators as well as standardized simulated patients in a specialized simulated setting. The combined use of multistimulation modalities makes this maverick program an excellent solution for the challenge of multidisciplinary training in the face of the looming chemical warfare threat.
Vardi
Amir
A
Israel Center for Medical Simulation, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. avardi@post.tau.ac.il
Levin
Inbal
I
Berkenstadt
Haim
H
Hourvitz
Ariel
A
Eisenkraft
Arik
A
Cohen
Amir
A
Ziv
Amitai
A
D002618:Chemical Warfare; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008887:Military Medicine; D008891:Military Science; D014218:Triage