Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t have a bunch of different sized mannequins.
No problem! You can always train with the same mannequin. Once your team describes how they would estimate a patient’s weight (in kg!), each scenario will provide you with an age and weight.
Why do I have to use a mannequin?
Great question. Some of these tabletop sims will work just fine without getting a mannequin out. However, the mannequin is there to reinforce how to correctly measure a pediatric patient if you use a length-based tape solution. Also, if you use a length-based tape, your medication and equipment resources may be right there on the tape.
I don’t have a bunch of different training medications.
No problem. Talk with your pharmacist and to secure a medication vial that is expired, and you can safely remove any medication and re-fill with colored water – green suggested to distinguish them as simulated medications. Label your training medication vial “Not for Human Use” find low cost/free stickers here: https://healthcaresimulationsafety.org/labels/.
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You may need to work with pharmacy to identify what concentrations of medications you stock in your ED. You can write this medication and concentration on a 3x5 card for simulation use.
Are there safety considerations when running simulations?
Yes! Making sure your training equipment is properly labeled and stored so that it does not get used for clinical care is very important. Other strategies such as pre and post in situ simulation safety checklists can be used. The Foundation for Healthcare Simulation Safety (link https://healthcaresimulationsafety.org/) provides excellent, free resources to practice simulation safely.