Video Enhanced Didactic Instruction for Mass Casualty Triage

Abstract

Objectives

High-Fidelity training in triage for Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) is resource intensive and therefore limited in frequency despite knowing that this skill degrades with time. Didactic classroom materials offer a non-resource-intensive introduction to foundational concepts, but the extent to which it can prepare providers for real world scenarios is limited. Virtual reality (VR) is an effective training alternative, but in its infancy of development and accessibility. To bridge the gap between these modalities, we propose a video-enhanced method to didactic training.

Methods

During Uniformed Service University’s (USU) annual Operation Bushmaster field exercise we produced video footage of individual casualties along with multiple casualty scenes consisting of several 5-15 second videos capturing various elements of a primary survey.

Results

The videos offer a higher-fidelity alternative to written casualty descriptions allowing the learner to visually process casualty presentation that is more representative of reality. The video segments facilitate thinking through specific points in the decision-making process for triage and life saving interventions.

Conclusions

Video enhanced didactic training offers a bridge between written didactic training and exercise or VR training for MCI triage skills acquisition and sustainment. Assessment and validation of this training methodology with various MCI responders is recommended.