A First-Class Simulation: In-Situ In-Flight Medical Emergencies Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents Aboard a Commercial Airliner

Abstract

Introduction: In-flight medical emergencies occur in an estimated one out of 604 flights. Responding in this environment poses a unique set of challenges unfamiliar to most emergency medicine (EM) providers, including physical space and resource limitations. We developed a novel high-fidelity in-situ training curriculum focused on frequent or high-risk in-flight medical scenarios while replicating this austere environment.Methods: Our residency program coordinated with our local airport's chief of security and an airline-specific station manager to arrange the use of a grounded Boeing 737 commercial airliner during late evening/early morning hours. Eight stations reviewing in-flight medical emergency topics were reviewed, five of which were simulation scenarios. We created medical and first-aid kits that reflect equipment used by commercial airlines. Residents' self-assessed competency and medical knowledge were assessed both initially and postcurriculum using a standardized questionnaire.Results: Forty residents attended the educational event as learners. Self-assessed competency and medical knowledge increased after curriculum participation. All tested aspects of self-assessed competency had a statistically significant increase from a mean of 15.04 to 29.20 out of a maximum score of forty. The mean medical knowledge score increased from 4.65 to 6.93 out of 10 maximum points. Conclusion:A five-hour in-situ curriculum for reviewing in-flight medical emergencies increased selfassessed competency and medical knowledge for EM and EM-internal medicine residents. The curriculum was overwhelmingly well-received by learners.

Perception, confidence, and willingness to respond to in-flight medical emergencies among medical students: a cross sectional study

“…The participants rated the program highly for improving their preparedness [ 26 ]. Another program at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center conducted a realistic simulation training using a grounded Boeing 737 airliner at the local airport, which included five simulation-based learning (anaphylaxis, shockable rhythm arrest, syncope secondary to pulmonary embolism, anterior epistaxis, and an agitated passenger) and three discussion-based learning (aeromedical considerations, medicolegal topics, and decompression illness) for emergency and internal medicine residents [ 27 ]. The program improved participants’ medical knowledge, especially for ACLS, and self-assessed competency scores [ 27 ].…”