Utility of High Fidelity Simulation Training in Improving Adherence to Critical Actions During Cardiopulmonary Arrest Rishipathak Parag1, Bhandari Monesh2, Hinduja Anand3 1Director, Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India 2Medical Officer, Academics, Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India 3Adjunct Faculty, Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India Online published on 19 August, 2019. Abstract Introduction Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is emerging as a viable rescue strategy for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Effective CPR implementation requires intensive and repetitive training foe Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers. Adherence to ACLS protocols throughout an event is associated with increased revival rate of cardiac arrest patients. Using high fidelity simulation for BLS ACLS training improves the quality and confidence of EMS providers, students to abide by the AHA guidelines. Objective To utilize high fidelity simulation training in improving adherence to critical actions during cardiopulmonary arrest. Methodology A high fidelity manikin was utilized to create four unique clinical simulation scenarios based on cardiac arrest. 80 students of the Post Graduate Diploma in Emergency Medical Services (PGDEMS) program participated. Each simulation session lasted for approximately 10 minutes followed by structured debriefing lasting for 20 minutes. The video recorded sessions were analyzed by two independent facilitators to avoid bias. At the end of 8 week period, the students underwent post intervention simulation session structured in the same format as the pre-intervention session. Result The study focused on critical performance steps to be followed as per AHA 2015 guidelines. Discussion As per AHA 2015 guidelines, there are some critical performance steps to be followed while giving Basic Life Support (BLS) to a cardiac arrest patient. These steps if followed correctly, not only provide help to the patient immediately but also increase the chance of survival of the patient. The drastic increase in the total score obtained from pre-intervention to post-intervention underscores the importance of regular simulation sessions, to inculcate better assessment practices in a safe and nonthreatening environment. Conclusion Though participants performed the critical actions and managed the scenarios as per AHA 2015 guidelines, few actions, which superficially seemed to be insignificant were not performed. Top Keywords Cardiac arrest, critical actions, performance measures, CPR. Top |