Resuscitation of a patient in cardiac arrest is one of the most complex and stressful situations that healthcare providers experience. Early exposure to patient resuscitation procedures with mock code simulations increase student confidence and minimize hesitation when immediate action is needed. This article will provide tips for instructors as they set up simulations labs to prepare students for real code blue situations.
Loaded Emergency Crash Cart
Students need to learn how crash carts are organized so there should be supplies in each drawer. The SimLabSolutions Loaded 5 Drawer Emergency Cart is a convenient solution for instructors as each drawer is organized according to code. Simulated medications are always stocked in the top drawer. To protect instructors and students from needlestick injuries, all syringes should have Luer lock tips or blunt tip cannulas. Unlike expired meds, SimRx simulated code meds are clearly labeled for training purposes only and not for use with humans or animals. This warning appears on the syringes as well as the outer packaging. All SimRx code meds have needle-free Luer connections along with accurate dosing information and 2D barcode scanning capabilities. If you have a crash cart already, refill kits are available for each drawer to make ordering supplies easy.
Defibrillator
Training with live defibrillators poses significant safety risks as instructors and students can be accidentally shocked. Thankfully, instructors have a wide variety of options to simulate defibrillation of V-Tach and V-Fib. AED trainers are available from Defibtech, Zoll, and Physio-Control. Alternatively, the SimVS simulated hospital defibrillator/monitor provides a more realistic resuscitation experience. The instructor tablet controls the patient parameters that are displayed on the student tablet. Students use this information to decide which assessments and interventions are most appropriate. Two-way wireless communication allows instructors to change the patient parameters in real time in response to student interventions. The SimVS defibrillator even has adjustable energy settings along with realistic sounds for charging and shock delivery.
Add a wash basin - really!
One handy trick for educators is to include a rectangular plastic wash basin in the bottom of the crash cart. When the crash cart arrives in the room, the wash basin is placed on the bed between the patient’s legs. After each code med is administered to the patient, the syringe and box are placed in the wash basin. In resuscitations with real patients, clinicians often do this to protect themselves from needlestick injuries. It also allows the documenting nurse to double-check the number of doses that were administered. During simulations, the wash basin collects the code meds to make cleanup easier for the instructor.
Set up the manikin
The head of the bed should be elevated when the students first enter the room. They can use the CPR button to lower it rapidly in order to start chest compressions. The SimVS nurse call system features a code blue button that realistically simulates those found in actual patient rooms. Blue eye shadow can be placed on the manikin’s lips to simulate cyanosis and simulated vomit can be placed on the patient’s gown for extra realism. A functional closed IV tubing system allows students to administer IV fluids and medications to any kind of manikin.
Final thoughts
Mock codes are essential learning experiences for students and some careful preparation can take them to the next level of realism and engagement. It can be difficult for instructors to decide which Loaded Crash Cart or SimVS platform is best suited for their program. The DiaMedical USA team is ready to help nursing programs balance cost and functionality in order to find the right teaching tools to meet the learning needs of their students. SimRx code meds and IV fluids, SimScreens, audio-visual solutions and more are available to provide complete training solutions. For more information, reach out to a DiaMedical USA expert at 877-593-6011 or info@diamedicalusa.com.
