Impact of Virtual Simulation to Teach EMS Personnel Respiratory Failure Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study presents a unique way to provide simulation education to paramedics during the Coronavirus pandemic, without some of the logistical concerns that accompany traditional in-person simulation. Our county EMS personnel were divided in groups of 3-6 for the virtual simulation conducted by a physician facilitator who was remotely broadcasted to the EMS team performing tasks on a mannequin. A post-simulation survey was conducted to determine how the simulation affected their comfort level with managing respiratory failure in both suspected COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. The 42 EMS personnel responding to the survey felt an increased comfort level in managing respiratory failure in a suspected or known COVID-19 patient after the virtual simulation. There was an increase in “extremely comfortable” responses from 24% to 43% before and after the simulation, and a decrease in “somewhat uncomfortable” responses from 10% to 0%. Respondents had extensive prior EMS experience, with 95% stating 2+ years working in EMS, and 33% with more than 10 year’s experience. Only 12% of the responders stated they underwent simulation training once a month or more, with 64% stating “a few times per year”. 86% of the responders felt the video platform was easy to use. The most common technical difficulty involved audio problems. EMS personnel undergoing a virtual simulation and debrief in the management of respiratory failure in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic felt more comfortable in their management of these patients after their sessions. The majority recommended continuing this type of training in the future.