Every Surgical Resident Should Know How to Perform a Cricothyrotomy: An Inexpensive Cricothyrotomy Task Trainer for Teaching and Assessing Surgical Trainees

Training, testing and remediating: the importance of simulation for surgical trainees

“…Low cost (<30 cents each) of the model allows for maximal repetition. Assessment on a 10‐point checklist has demonstrated marked improvement in speed and accuracy of a cricothyrotomy by our trainees …”

“…We teach simple and complex surgical skills using models . Some of our most utilized models are the knot‐tying and cricothyrotomy models.…”

“…Emergency cricothyrotomy is a potentially life‐saving procedure. Our validated cricothyrotomy model allows exposure to this skill, using low‐cost household items . Using a toilet paper cardboard tube, insulation tubing, a small cardboard shield, one zip‐tie and fabric, we ‘create’ the trachea, soft tissue, thyroid cartilage, cricoid membrane and skin (Fig.…”

“…Simulation-based surgical training has become invaluable in training doctors, improving patient safety and offering a safe arena for learning technical skills. [1][2][3][4] With work-hour regulations limiting time spent in hands-on clinical activity (operating, patient care, emergency room evaluations, etc. ), the classic apprenticeship model of surgical training is moving towards one based on competency.…”

“…We teach simple and complex surgical skills using models. 1,3,5,6 Some of our most utilized models are the knottying and cricothyrotomy models. Using a simple vessel-ligation model (comprised of skinny balloons filled with faux blood), trainees tie across the balloon in a spill tray to 'ligate the vessel'.…”