Pediatric Emergency Medicine Simulation Curriculum: Bacterial Tracheitis

Introduction: Pediatric bacterial tracheitis is a rare but life-threatening upper airway infection with mortality rates estimated as high as 20%, typically affecting children between 6 months and 12 years old. Given such high mortality rates, we felt it was important to train medical personnel to evaluate and manage this condition.

Methods: This simulation-based curriculum was developed for health care professionals involving the evaluation and management of an 8-year-old male with symptoms of fever, stridor, worsening barking cough, and increased work of breathing. Critical actions included identifying stridor and airway respiratory distress; monitoring and supporting airway, breathing, and circulation; administering racemic epinephrine and dexamethasone; and identifying and treating bacterial tracheitis as the underlying cause. Scenario-specific debriefing tools were put together to elicit scenario feedback and aid in formative learning.

Results: The scenario was conducted with six fellows and 12 residents and medical students. Per the survey data, the case was rated as highly relevant (median = 5) and highly realistic (median = 5) by participants on a 5-point Likert scale.

Discussion: Pediatric bacterial tracheitis is a low frequency, but high-risk scenario that was amenable to simulation as an educational modality and was well-received by participants. The debriefing tools were implemented as a means of helping instructors customize the scenario for learners based on respective educational backgrounds and learning styles.

Keywords: Emergency Medicine; Nurse/Nurse Practitioner; Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Pediatrics; Physician; Physician Assistant; Respiratory Therapist; Simulation; Stridor; Tracheitis.