Keywords

aeromedical transport, patient simulation, child, burns, India

Abstract

Purpose: Implement a training and simulation program focused on pediatric burn care to increase the knowledge, skills, and confidence of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) team at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh.

Introduction: The recent implementation of HEMS at AIIMS Rishikesh, India, has increased accessibility to emergency medical care and highlighted the HEMS team’s capabilities and training needs. Identified training needs led to the creation of a pediatric burn patient simulation training.

Methods: The simulation training included three training presentations, a simulation scenario, and a pre-brief and debrief. The effectiveness of the project was evaluated with a pre- and post-knowledge assessment, a simulation effectiveness tool, and participant feedback. Implementation occurred at the AIIMS Rishikesh hospital and helicopter base, involving 26 members of the HEMS team.

Results: Twenty-two HEMS personnel completed the simulation training, and knowledge assessment scores improved from 76% to 85% after implementation (P value = 0.04). More than 86% of the participants selected “strongly agree” for 14 of the 19 questions addressing simulation effectiveness. Feedback received was all positive.

Discussion: Simulation training for HEMS can improve the knowledge and confidence needed to prepare HEMS teams for vital assessments, decision-making, and treatment of critical patients during helicopter transport. Next steps include collaborating with the AIIMS Rishikesh HEMS educator and leadership to develop future simulation training tailored to the HEMS team's needs and implement simulation training biannually.