By Kelly Rodgers, Community Resource and Assessment Specialist
On Jan. 29, the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center hosted the first KidsABC Rural Pediatric Respiratory Session at Clinch Memorial Hospital. The Rural Pediatric Respiratory Session is an educational training offered to respiratory therapists and nurses working in rural hospital emergency departments that focuses on improving methods for pediatric respiratory emergencies. The training was led by Kenya Jones, the KidsABC simulation clinical educator, and Laura Quinn, the director of performance improvement, infection control and education at Mountain Lakes Medical Center. Participants represented Clinch Memorial Hospital, Coffee Regional Medical Center, Evans Memorial Hospital, SGMC Health Berrien and Taylor Regional Hospital.
KidsABC began offering sessions at the request of respiratory therapists, or RRTs, in rural hospitals who felt this training would enhance their skills and increase their knowledge of pediatric airway management. RRTs and nurses in rural emergency departments often face a lack of specialty-focused support. The respiratory session bridges the gaps in limited training opportunities and meets the needs of these staff members.
This specialized training includes hands-on simulation with high-fidelity manikins based on real-world scenarios. Training components include interactive online modules, skills practice sessions, scenario-based simulations, team dynamics training and competency evaluations. By practicing on manikins and mimicking realistic scenarios, participants are able to practice early recognition and intervention methods and apply them to day-to-day patient care and clinical responsibilities.
Key takeaways from training include learning the importance of taking quick action during respiratory distress in pediatrics, medication management tips and how to follow proper protocols for respiratory support.
KidsABC will host regional trainings throughout the year for participating rural hospital emergency departments. The next training will take place at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center on April 27.
Photo credit: Kylie Hatton, Clinch Memorial Hospital