Simulation Training to Improve 911 Dispatcher Identification of Cardiac Arrest (STAT911)

This study is to test the use of simulation training to improve 9-1-1 telecommunicators' call processing and response. Training sessions will expose 9-1-1 telecommunicators to several realistic emergency situations through mock 9-1-1 calls with a trained actor playing the part of a reporting party, followed immediately by feedback on call handling provided by a trained call observer. Investigators hypothesize that simulation followed by trained observer-directed feedback will increase correct triage of medical emergency and delivery of pre-arrival instructions during simulated calls and in actual 9-1-1 calls.

The intervention consists of four 20-minute telephone simulation training sessions over a 4 month period (one session each month). Each 20-minute training session will include 3 simulated 9-1-1 calls, performed by a standardized caller (trained actor) and feedback will be provided right away by a trained observer who takes notes during the simulation calls and discusses the teaching points after the session. In total, the 9-1-1 dispatchers will receive 12 different simulated calls.

Change in elapsed seconds from call answer to start of telephone-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-CPR) instructions in cardiac arrest calls in simulations and in actual calls.

Once monthly over 4 months (during simulations); at event (actual cardiac arrest 9-1-1 call) over 12 months.

Change in proportion of calls with querying behaviors compliant with the "all-callers" interviewing protocol.

Once monthly over 4 months (during simulations); at event (actual cardiac arrest 9-1-1 call) over 12 months.

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Meischke H, Painter IS, Stangenes SR, Weaver MR, Fahrenbruch CE, Rea T, Turner AM. Simulation training to improve 9-1-1 dispatcher identification of cardiac arrest: A randomized controlled trial. Resuscitation. 2017 Oct;119:21-26. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2017.07.025. Epub 2017 Jul 29.

Meischke H, Painter I, Turner AM, Weaver MR, Fahrenbruch CE, Ike BR, Stangenes S. Protocol: simulation training to improve 9-1-1 dispatcher identification of cardiac arrest. BMC Emerg Med. 2016 Feb 1;16:9. doi: 10.1186/s12873-016-0073-6.