(1115) Essential Pediatric Life Support Skills: A Set of Rolling Cart-Based Simulations in the PICU

Introduction:

Introduction: Frequent high occupancy combined with increased rates of nursing turnover in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) has led to limited ability to perform in-room high-fidelity simulations and an increased need for focused life support training for PICU personnel.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and undergraduate students implemented various simulations in the PICU August through December 2022. Simulations were conducted via a rolling-cart model to capture the largest audience and included, but were not limited to, chest compressions, defibrillation, bag-mask ventilation, push-pull fluid bolus administration, emergency cart utilization and intraosseous access.

Results: Twelve simulation sessions were performed. Twenty-four participants supplied feedback, with the majority of responses being overwhelmingly positive. In answer to the question “The content of the simulation was relevant to my current role in the PICU,” over 83% of the respondents said that they “strongly agree.” 100% of respondents would recommend the simulation they performed to colleagues. Additionally, the participation rate was high with a median of ten participants per session. For comparison, the PICU in-room simulations had a median of six participants per session.

Conclusions: Conducting rolling cart-based simulations involving life support practices is a well-received method of education and garners high participation from PICU health care workers. This model can be beneficial in times when resources are limited.