Use of a hemorrhage simulator to train military medics.
BACKGROUND
The leading cause of preventable battlefield death is extremity hemorrhage. This study examines how current first aid training for the management of severe extremity hemorrhage can be improved by using a patient simulator.


METHODS
This was a prospective trial involving two cohorts of U.S. Army combat medic trainees. The control group received the standard first aid training for bleeding, including lectures and practical exercises. The study group received the same lectures but was exposed to a hemorrhage simulator during the practical exercises. Both groups were then evaluated during a field exercise 7 weeks later.


RESULTS
The study group showed a statistically significant improvement in the time it took to stop severe extremity hemorrhage in a simulated patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Simple innovations in training may play a significant role in preparing medics (and combatants) to care for injuries they will encounter on the battlefield.
Mabry
Robert L
RL
2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, WA 98433, USA.
D015331:Cohort Studies; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013781:Texas