Bleeding control training by compressing the zones of care: a low cost synthetic simulatior

Abstract

Background: Trauma presents a serious public health issue in Brazil and the world, considering that uncontrolled hemorrhage injuries are main cause of preventable death in both civilians and military personnel. In this context, effective measures of bleeding control are incredibly relevant, making it a necessity to improve education through quality training. This can be achieved with efficient teaching and learning strategies, such as low cost synthetic simulation models. Objective: To present a low-cost model for training of bleeding control through direct compression technique and its evaluation results. Method: A synthetic model was made with materials that are easy to acquire and low cost, such as upholstery foam, EVA plate, pneumatic pump, saline container, water, school paint, saline infusion set, latex tourniquet tube and a commercial mannequin arm. During assembly, an active bleeding simulation system was created. The model was assessed by health professionals through a questionnaire, using the Likert scale, during the Stop The Bleed course from the Trauma Committee of the American College of Surgeons Results: During handling and usage of this low-cost simulation model, it was observed that the proper application of the direct compression technique proved to be efficient for simulating the interruption of simulated bleeding via jets and presented a low development cost. Conclusion: The model had an excellent evaluation by the health professionals that were participating in the course, and it was considered viable for educational purposes and of low production cost.