Mass casualty incidents, though rare, pose significant challenges to emergency response systems. Preparedness for such events is paramount, with simulation-based training recognized as a best practice for assessing and improving response capabilities. However, traditional methodologies employing moulaged actors or high-fidelity simulators have limitations in replicating the realism and complexity of mass casualty scenarios. This HealthySimulation.com article by Dan Irizarry, MD, Senior Medical Director, TacMed Solutions, discusses the potential of TacMed Solutions (aka Tactical Medical Solutions) trauma simulators to address these gaps and enhance the validity of mass casualty exercises (MASCALs).
Effective MASCAL planning is predicated on well-defined learning objectives and corresponding evaluation metrics. The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (2023) provides a comprehensive framework for exercise planning, emphasizing the importance of aligning scenario design with measurable objectives. Similarly, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services offers a suite of MASCAL scenarios, complete with suggested objectives and evaluation criteria. However, even with robust planning, exercises often lack the objective performance data necessary for meaningful after-action improvement.
TacMed Solutions Trauma Manikin and MATTIE
Traditional simulation modalities have limitations in addressing this measurement gap. Most high-fidelity patient simulators, while capable of replicating complex physiologic responses, are often expensive, technically complex, and fragile. Conversely, moulaged actors, while enhancing scenario realism, cannot objectively capture performance data. TacMed Solutions trauma simulators, designed for austere environment training, offer a potential solution. These simulators replicate the preventable causes of death, provide objective performance metrics, and support multiple trauma care curriculums.
The emergency medical system (EMS) plays a critical role in the response to mass casualty incidents. Simulation can be particularly valuable in training EMS providers to navigate the unique challenges of MASCALs, from initial scene assessment to patient transport. TacMed Solutions simulators can be seamlessly integrated into EMS-focused training, allowing for realistic practice of triage, stabilization, and transport of multiple casualties. Furthermore, simulation can help EMS agencies identify system-level gaps and optimize their MASCAL response plans.
The Department of Defense has used TacMed Solutions manikins for first responder and medic training for years and recently civilian EMS and law enforcement trainers have seen the value of incorporating them into regular training. In the context of MASCALs, these simulators can be used to assess critical skills such as triage, lifesaving interventions, and treatment of complex injuries. Their durability and ease of use make them ideal for integrated exercises involving multiple response agencies. TacMed Solutions’ female manikin, MATTIE, even has hidden wounds obscured by breast anatomy to highlight possible scenarios that can lead to gender inequities in trauma care.
TacMed Solutions Trauma Manikin Supported Curriculums
TacMed Solutions offers manikins to meet the needs of trauma and advanced life support simulations. The incorporation of these manikins increase the fidelity, realism for a more immersive experience for the learners. The manikins can be incorporated into the following curriculums:
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
- Advanced Cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
- Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)
- Stop the Bleed Training
Register for the LEARN CE/CME Platform Webinar Getting Results from Trauma Simulation: Training the Continuum of Care to learn more!
The emergency medical system (EMS) plays a critical role in the response to mass casualty incidents. Simulation can be particularly valuable in training EMS providers to navigate the unique challenges of MASCALs, from initial scene assessment to patient transport. TacMed Solutions simulators can be seamlessly integrated into EMS-focused training, allowing for realistic practice of triage, stabilization, and transport of multiple casualties. Furthermore, simulation can help EMS agencies identify system-level gaps and optimize their MASCAL response plans.
The Department of Defense has used TacMed Solutions manikins for first responder and medic training for years and recently civilian EMS and law enforcement trainers have seen the value of incorporating them into regular training. In the context of MASCALs, these simulators can be used to assess critical skills such as triage, lifesaving interventions, and treatment of complex injuries. Their durability and ease of use make them ideal for integrated exercises involving multiple response agencies. TacMed Solutions’ female manikin, MATTIE, even has hidden wounds obscured by breast anatomy to highlight possible scenarios that can lead to gender inequities in trauma care.
TacMed Solutions trauma simulators offer a novel solution for enhancing the realism and assessment capabilities of MASCALs. By providing an objective means of capturing performance data, these simulators can support data-driven after-action improvement, ultimately strengthening emergency response systems’ readiness for mass casualty incidents.
More About TacMed Solutions (TacMed Solutions)
TacMed Solutions creates emergency response technology, healthcare simulation tools, and protective gear to help manage injuries in hostile environments. The TacMed Solutions team of former tactical medical professionals is dedicated to protecting communities worldwide. They draw on our field experience to provide intuitive solutions for warfighters, first responders, and citizens. The TacMed Solutions commitment to this mission is reflected in the durable products and excellent customer support.
The products are designed to prevent unnecessary deaths in combat situations. TacMed Solutions believes that minimizing preventable death is a realistic goal. All TacMed Solutions employees are former tactical medical professionals or have close ties to them. TacMed Solutions works with elite medics worldwide to ensure the products meet the highest standards. TacMed Solutions designs the products to complement human performance under combat stress, not complicate it. This approach ensures our products are effective in real-world combat scenarios.
Learn More About TacMed Solutions Realism for Mass Casualty!
References:
- Australian Disaster Resilience: Managing Exercises Handbook.
- Conducting Drills and Exercises: A Guide for Hospitals. County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services Emergency Medical Services Agency Disaster Services.
- Facho S, Weiers A, Jones A, Wexner S, Nelson J. Small-Scale High-Fidelity Simulation for Mass Casualty Incident Readiness. J Educ Teach Emerg Med. 2021;6(4):S1-S111. Published 2021 Oct 15. doi:10.21980/J84S8S
- Zook, Andrew: U.S. Army rolls out new medical training mannequin. 18 March 2020.
