This program is designed to teach the participants the principles of crisis management including the roles of leaders and followers, communication, calling for help, utilizing all resources and avoiding errors. For the actual crisis, the human patient simulator is scripted to develop a series of progressively worsening cardio-respiratory states. The program began one year ago, and so far 69 staff members have gone through the training. Overwhelmingly the staff has said that this has improved their performance in a crisis. He also explains that a common problem in this situation is fixation by the staff.
Someone jumps to a conclusion or diagnosis and then everyone works on just that problem.
Calif. Murray adds that crisis resource management training should become an established part of continuing medical education. He believes the process makes medical staff significantly better suited to operate in a crisis situation, which ultimately benefits patients the most.