AnTriEx and ViTriEx
AnTriEx and ViTriex are tools for simulation exercises of mass casualty scenarios. They are based on real events and allows participants to immerse themselves in realistic exercises that practice decision-making, prioritisation, organisation, and much more. AnTriEx is an analogue tool where the exercise is carried out onsite and in person, whereas ViTriEx is a virtual tool that allows participants to do exercise remotely digitally.
What is AnTriEx?
AnTriEx is short for Analogue Triage Exercise. It is a simulation tool that allows participants to practise how to lead, organise, communicate, make decisions and prioritise in mass casualty situations. It is a highly flexible, portable, and easy-to-use tool that focuses on the learning and interaction of the participants.
The simulation is done in person and the scenario is a fictional mass casualty event, based on a real situation. The participants are taken to a mass casualty scene where the casualties are symbolised by frisbee-like boards with attached information about "the patients" vital status. The participants coordinate themselves as a team in order to prioritise among the injured, provide primary care, communicate and make decisions in a chaotic and stressful environment, where resources and information is scarce.
AnTriEx can easily be adapted to the needs and level of knowledge of the participants.
Learning Objectives
- Triage - Apply basic principles of prioritisation of casualties in a mass casualty event, where there is an imbalance between needs and resources.
- Communication & Leadership - Recognise the importance of good communication and leadership in a disaster response and reflect on the best way to do it.
- Decision Making - Demonstrate an ability to make decisions about prioritisation of resources and casualties, in a context of resources scarcity and based on limited information.
What do you need to use AnTriEx?
AnTriEx is a resource efficient simulation, both with regards to preparation time as well as the required material to implement it. The only material needed are the approximately 60 frisbee-like boards with attached patient information, and a simulation facilitator or facilitators.
What is ViTriEx?
ViTriEx short for Virtual Triage Exercise. Like AnTriEx, it is a simulation tool that allows participants to practice how to lead, organise, communicate, make decisions and prioritise in mass casualty events.
The simulation is done online, and the scenario is a fictional mass casualty, based on a real event. During the simulation participants are taken to the scene of a casualty, as well as to the emergency room of a smaller hospital. The participants are given different roles and must then prioritise among the injured, communicate and make decisions in a chaotic and stressful environment, where resources and information is scarce. The simulation allows for direct feedback on the decisions that the participants make.
The patients that are used in a AnTriEx or ViTriEx simulation are based on a patient data base kept by CRIMEDIM - Center for Research in Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale in Novara, Italy, whom we collaborate with.
Learning Objectives
- Apply basic principles of prioritisation of injured in a mass casualty event, where there is an imbalance between needs and resources.
- Assign roles and organise a mass casualty scene.
- Be able to, in a structured manner, make initial evaluation, stabilisation, and re-evaluation of acute injuries and symptoms in a mass casualty event.
- Assure good communication techniques are used in disaster responses, as well as, in a clear manner, reflect on how such techniques can be implemented.
What do you need to use ViTriEx?
ViTriEx uses freely accessible software, with no need for licences or to download specific software. The tool is freely available to use for anyone who is interested. The only resources needed to conduct a simulation with ViTriEx are ordinary computers, internet access, and instructors with skills and knowledge of disaster medicine.