From Theory to Practice: Utilizing Simulation for High Acuity, Low Occurrence Trauma Events

Emergency trauma procedures are life-saving interventions that require a high level of skill and technique byemergency medicine providers and trauma surgeons. These procedures are considered high acuity, lowoccurrence (HALO) events or procedures due to the high skill level they require but infrequent clinicalpresentation.

Simulation offers a unique approach to teaching HALO procedures. This article reviews educational considerationswhen utilizing simulation as a teaching modality. It also describes the different simulation methods: task trainersand models, in-situ simulation, and virtual reality trainers. Finally, we review the challenges and advantages ofsimulation as an educational approach for training providers and other clinical staff for HALO procedures andevents.

Simulation is a sound instructional design to train for HALO procedures and events. It provides hands-onexperience, psychological safety, and a wide range of equipment to allow educators to tailor training for eachindividual learner.