Pediatric Trauma Interprofessional Simulation: 5-Year-Old Pedestrian Struck by a Motor Vehicle

This simulation-based educational activity presents an immersive, inter-professional pediatric trauma scenario involving a 5-year-old pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle who develops hemorrhagic shock progressing to cardiac arrest. The activity is designed to train senior surgical learners to lead a multidisciplinary trauma resuscitation while managing complex clinical challenges including hypovolemic shock, difficult airway, and the need for emergency thoracotomy. Emphasis is placed on trauma leadership, technical decision-making, resuscitation sequencing, and structured communication using the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) framework. Through participation and debriefing, learners develop competencies in patient care, communication, teamwork, and procedural prioritization during rapidly evolving pediatric trauma emergencies. 

Target Learners 

This activity is intended for inter-professional trainees involved in pediatric trauma care, including: 

• Senior General Surgery residents 

• Pediatric Surgery residents or fellows 

• Anesthesia trainees 

• Emergency Medicine trainees (support role) 

• Nursing personnel involved in trauma resuscitation 

The primary learner typically functions as the trauma team leader responsible for directing evaluation, resuscitation, and team coordination. 

Equipment Needed 

Implementation of the simulation requires the following: 

Simulation Equipment 

• Pediatric high-fidelity trauma manikin 

• Capable of producing: 

• • Cardiac rhythms 

• • Breath sounds 

• • Voice responses 

• (Acceptable alternative) Low-fidelity manikin with facilitator-provided clinical findings 

Clinical Simulation Resources 

• Realistic crash cart with labeled mock medications 

• Thoracotomy tray suitable for emergency department use 

• Airway management equipment for difficult intubation 

• CPR equipment 

• Imaging materials (e.g., radiographs such as CXR) 

• FAST scan capability (real or simulated) 

Personnel / Confederates 

• Pediatric Emergency Resident 

• Junior General Surgery resident 

• Trauma Surgeon (standby facilitator role) 

• Operating Room Nurse (phone communication role) 

Estimated Time to Complete the Activity 

If you would like, a separate learner-facing summary or facilitator quick-reference version can be generated.