Building Better Scenarios: A Conversation with Joe Slattery on EMS Simulation in Healthcare Education

EMS Today

Hosts: Bradley Dean and David Blevins

Guest: Joe Slattery, BS Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS)

Overview: In this episode of the EMS Handoff Podcast, Bradley and David welcome Joe Slattery, a dual-certified healthcare simulation expert with over 30 years of experience in EMS. Joe’s extensive background and passion for EMS education, specifically in simulation, shine as he shares insights into his work developing state-of-the-art simulation labs and curriculum for multiple hospitals and residency programs across southeast Florida. His projects aim to elevate EMS education by integrating hands-on, realistic scenarios that build critical thinking and clinical skills for healthcare providers.

Key Takeaways

1. Joe’s Background in Simulation and EMS Education
   Joe discusses his journey in EMS and simulation-based education, including his academic background in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He holds dual certifications as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS). He has dedicated his career to advancing EMS training and has presented at leading EMS and simulation conferences, including the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH).
2. Designing Effective Simulation Scenarios
   Joe dives into the nuances of creating successful simulation scenarios, emphasizing how scenario design can either build or inhibit a learner’s critical thinking. He advocates for a thoughtful approach to setting learning objectives and aligning them closely with scenario details to prevent distractions or misdirected focus.
3. Safety in Healthcare Simulation: A Simple Scenario
   Joe shares a scenario he uses in his “Safety in Healthcare Simulation” lecture:

• Objective: Assemble a nebulizer and administer 2.5 mg of Albuterol Sulfate.
• Scenario Components: Using a manikin, a nebulizer, saline solution as a substitute for albuterol, and an oxygen source delivering 6-8 LPM.
• Patient Presentation: The manikin should have signs like wheezing, rhonchi, a history of asthma, or possible pneumonia. However, rales/crackles and peripheral edema are intentionally excluded as they would mislead the learner regarding the appropriateness of albuterol.

Importance of Testing Scenarios Before Implementation
Joe explains how testing scenarios can prevent potential pitfalls by ensuring they meet educational objectives without introducing misleading elements. He illustrates that adding symptoms like rales or peripheral edema would alter the scenario's purpose, forcing learners into unnecessary critical thinking exercises outside the intended scope. This testing step is crucial to ensure the simulation accurately reflects real-life decision-making. Practical Advice for EMS Educators
Joe offers practical tips for EMS educators looking to incorporate simulation in their teaching. From setting clear objectives to aligning simulation elements with real-world scenarios, he highlights how educators can provide safe yet challenging learning environments.

Connect with Joe Slattery

• Joe shares his passion for teaching and simulation and discusses upcoming projects where he is expanding simulation training in hospitals and residency programs. His expertise is shaping the next generation of EMS professionals, bringing essential skills to the forefront of healthcare education.

Tune In To Learn

• Best practices for simulation-based EMS education.
• How to craft scenarios that support—and not confuse—learning objectives.
• Real-world applications of simulation in healthcare for better patient outcomes.

Whether you're an EMS educator, a simulation enthusiast, or an EMS provider looking to refine your skills, this episode provides valuable insights into making simulations impactful, relevant, and effective for learners.