Hospital Staff Train Their Trauma Response

Clinicians across the region enhanced their emergency trauma skills with the latest round of Rural Emergency and Trauma Simulation Training last week.

Collinsville, Proserpine and Bowen hospital staff each attended the simulation sessions which focused on non-critical and critical trauma presentations.

The training also included skills stations which honed clinicians’ approaches to managing unexpected complications and intraosseous – directly into bone marrow - needle insertions.

The participants faced a number of scenarios, utilising the Telehealth Emergency Management Support Unit (TEMSU), as well as a Mackay Base Hospital senior Emergency doctor.

The Telehealth Unit assisted virtually with treating the fractured elbow of a 14-year-old patient, following a fall from a tree, to ensure safe reduction of the fracture in a first scenario.

The second challenge the groups faced was a critical scenario with a 29-year-old patient involved in high-speed motorbike accident.

The patient had been under the influence of drugs, and sustained thigh injuries and contusion of left lateral chest and abdomen.

Participants used their existing skills and knowledge to stabilise the patient with the assistance of Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) who provided virtual oversight of ventilation, intubation, fluid resuscitation and subsequent retrieval.

“Skills stations provided an opportunity for participants to refresh their critical thinking and review their own practice to consider various approaches to procedural sedation and to anticipate complications,” a Mackay Hospital and Health Services spokesperson said.

For authenticity, rib meat models were used to perform intraosseous needle insertion into real bone and place intercostal needles and tubes.

“Many of our rural clinicians are highly skilled in dealing with trauma emergencies, however it’s reassuring for them and junior staff to know they are supported by teams who provide a crucial link to consult with specialists when needed,” the spokesperson said.

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Proserpine, Collinsville, and Bowen hospital staff took part in trauma simulation training over the past week

The training helped the staff hone their skills in emergency trauma situations in a safe environment