title: Trauma Simulation Training Increases Confidence Levels in Prehospital Personnel Performing Life-Saving Interventions in Trauma Patients.
abstract: Introduction. Limited evidence is available on simulation training of prehospital care providers, specifically the use of tourniquets and needle decompression. This study focused on whether the confidence level of prehospital personnel performing these skills improved through simulation training. Methods. Prehospital personnel from Alachua County Fire Rescue were enrolled in the study over a 2- to 3-week period based on their availability. Two scenarios were presented to them: a motorcycle crash resulting in a leg amputation requiring a tourniquet and an intoxicated patient with a stab wound, who experienced tension pneumothorax requiring needle decompression. Crews were asked to rate their confidence levels before and after exposure to the scenarios. Timing of the simulation interventions was compared with actual scene times to determine applicability of simulation in measuring the efficiency of prehospital personnel. Results. Results were collected from 129 participants. Pre- and postexposure scores increased by a mean of 1.15 (SD 1.32; 95% CI, 0.88-1.42; P < 0.001). Comparison of actual scene times with simulated scene times yielded a 1.39-fold difference (95% CI, 1.25-1.55) for Scenario 1 and 1.59 times longer for Scenario 2 (95% CI, 1.43-1.77). Conclusion. Simulation training improved prehospital care providers' confidence level in performing two life-saving procedures.
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: Christine M
authors: 0000-0002-1662-1544
authors: CM
authors: Van Dillen
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: Matthew R
authors: 0000-0003-3656-6893
authors: MR
authors: Tice
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: Archita D
authors: AD
authors: Patel
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Meurer
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: Joseph A
authors: 0000-0001-6097-0787
authors: JA
authors: Tyndall
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: Marie Carmelle
authors: 0000-0002-4807-9403
authors: MC
authors: Elie
authors: Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
authors: Jonathan J
authors: JJ
authors: Shuster