TRICKERY OR TRAINING? DECEPTION IN HEALTHCARE SIMULATION

I remember being deceived in a simulation. Our team was prepared for the arrival of a trauma patient, coming in after a motor vehicle accident. We had clear roles and a plan. The patient arrived, and then more (unexpected) patients arrived from the same accident, and soon we discovered the accident involved a truck carrying toxic gas. Our staff (some of whom were confederates) started falling on the floor unwell. Our plan fell apart. Later, in the debrief, we discussed how well the scenario, and our response, illustrated points about situational awareness and leadership strategy.