title: Anaphylaxis simulation session: seeing is believing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  : Massive anaphylactic reactions are rare but potentially life-threatening events. It is recognized that there are concerns in both the immediate management and recognition of the condition. The report describes an innovative approach to develop a simple, low-cost device to simulate a rash on a mannequin as part of an education session.
  
  
  METHODS
  : A system was developed to allow a plastic sheet with surface-mounted light-emitting diodes to be placed under the mannequin's chest skin. The light-emitting diodes presence and intensity could be controlled remotely via a potentiometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : Staff were initially surprised by the presence of a rash on the mannequin but very quickly used the presence of the rash to support a diagnosis of severe anaphylaxis. Participants appeared to have responded positively to these simulation- reinforced courses on acute anaphylaxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : The development of a method to visually demonstrate a rash on a mannequin facilitated some of the educational goals of the course: the importance of skin changes in aiding the diagnosis of acute anaphylaxis and the importance of exposure of the skin of the patient.
authors.affiliation: Education and Research Division, Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire, England. mark.hellaby@whh.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Hellaby
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014581:Urticaria / Q000175:diagnosis*