This simulation-based educational activity focuses on operative crisis team training within the operating room (OR). It uses high-fidelity scenarios—such as airway or drape fires, major vascular injury, and loss of airway—to train interdisciplinary surgical teams in rapid recognition and coordinated response to life-threatening intraoperative events. Participants engage in realistic, time-pressured simulations requiring adherence to critical safety protocols, communication, and role-specific responsibilities. The activity emphasizes teamwork, crisis resource management, and adherence to established surgical and anesthesia safety procedures.
Target Learners
- Surgical residents (across specialties such as general surgery, ENT, orthopedics)
- Anesthesia providers (CRNAs, anesthesiology residents/attendings)
- Operating room nurses (circulating nurses)
- Surgical technologists (scrub techs)
- Interprofessional OR teams participating in team-based crisis training
Equipment Needed
- High-fidelity patient simulator (manikin capable of vital sign changes)
- Simulated operating room setup, including:
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- OR table and standard surgical equipment
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- Anesthesia machine and monitoring equipment
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- Surgical instruments and drapes
- Fire simulation tools (e.g., smoke simulation such as dry ice)
- Airway equipment (e.g., endotracheal tubes, surgical airway tools)
- Emergency equipment:
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- `Fire extinguisher
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- Code cart or equivalent resuscitation supplies
- Communication tools (e.g., intercom or simulated call system)
- OR attire (gowns, gloves, masks) for realism
Estimated Time to Complete the Activity
- Pre-briefing/orientation: 10–20 minutes
- Each simulation scenario: ~10 minutes
- Transition/reset between scenarios: 5–10 minutes
- Debriefing per scenario: 15–30 minutes
Total estimated time (per full session with multiple scenarios):
Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of scenarios and depth of debriefing