I can carry on all I like about how good the ETM Course is, and put testimonial videos up from people who’ve just completed it saying how good it is, like this:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6HWJ0BtvNA
And this:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U4fKB4Wmas
But let’s be honest, unless it helps you actually manage a sick, unstable major trauma patient, in a team environment, in your ED, it’s not worth doing. The proof is in the pudding so to speak. This week I received an email from a recent course participant, that I’ve reproduced with permission below, that shows that skills learned on the ETM Course can absolutely be used at your workplace to manage major trauma, and provide you with more confidence in dealing with the group of people who show up to help.
Hi Andy,
I have to tell you about my first Team Leader major trauma experience since the ETM Course.
A quick synopsis:
– 43yo male, high speed motorbike vs power-pole
– intubated at scene, hypotensive, 2xPRBC in transit, collar and pelvic binder
– arrived at ED 1hr after the accident
Things learned from ETM and done well (I thought!!)
– clear role allocation on formation of the “flash team” and shared mental model- “if the FAST is positive straight to OT, activate MTP, clear CT and theatre, all “observers” well out of the way, run through equipment”
– communication including the closed loop- amazing how it drifts away though when the adrenaline kicks in..
– trying to keep out of the way as the team leader- VERY difficult, found myself shuffling round the side of the bed to see various different events so had to remind myself to keep situational awareness and stand back.
– managing seniors! interesting given our discussion about gender roles/ authority gradients etc. By the end of the ED assessment there were 2 surgeons and an anaesthetist there, as well as several registrars – but have to say we were a pretty good team and it went well
End result- Massive transfusion, TXA, 2x thoracostomy and chest drains, positive FAST (unsurprisingly) and fluid in pericardium- spent 21 minutes in ED then went to theatre for damage control. Splenectomy, partial hepatectomy, intra-operative TOE and 22 units of blood products!
I’ve been thinking about it a lot in terms of good lessons learned and things I’d like to improve on – the “Take home message” is the ETM course has given me some really useful tools to manage these situations better– Thank you to you and all your instructors!
So there you have it, a real case from a real course participant. So get over to our registration page, find a date that suits, and come and do the ETM Course!