This document discusses the use of simulation models for emergency medical procedures. The authors created models for tracheotomy, thoracostomy, central venous catheter insertion, peritoneal lavage, and use of a Sengstagen-Blakemore catheter. Doctors tested the models in and out of the hospital and found home practice with the models to be the most useful. Simulation models are commonly used for medical education in countries like the US and UK and have been successfully used in workshops in Greece to train doctors and nurses in trauma care skills. The document concludes that low-cost simulation models can help address inadequate medical education by enabling self-education and practice at home.

1. SIMULATION MODELS IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Christodoulou Ir1 ,Babalis D2 ,Ch. Pogonidis2,
E.Xenodoxidou2
1.2nd Surgical Department, Papanikolaou Hospital,
Thessaloniki,
2.Surgical Department, Hospital of Komotini, Thrace,
Greece
PURPOSE of this study is to present
our experience from the procedure of
manufacturing simulation models for
emergency procedures.
MATERIAL-METHODS: We have
manufactured models for the
execution of tracheotomy,
thoracostomy technique, central
venous catheter insertion, peritoneal
lavage procedure and the use of
Sengstagen –Blakemore catheter. The
above mentioned techniques will be
presented to participants and they will
have the chance to test the models by
themselves.
RESULTS: We have already tested
our models in and out of Hospital.
Home practice was the first choice of
all asked doctors and simulation
models- practice was characterized as
satisfactory by 75 doctors, and
moderate by 12 doctors. USA stands
in the first position of sales of
simulation models for doctors, while
United Kingdom follows. In Greece,
workshops with simulation models
have been held with great success.
Planned workshops for 2006 will
educate general doctors and nurses
for trauma care skills.
CONCLUSION:Because inadequate
medical education is a longstanding
problem, simulations models may help
a lot, especially via the innovation of
home self-education and practice. The
cost can be very low with the use of
simple materials.