2LLSun3 - Simulation-Based Training for Nursing Students in Hospital Fire Evacuation

Abstract : Introduction/

Background/Purpose:
Approximately 1,100 hospital fires occur annually in the United States. Faculty discussion revealed that patient evacuation during hospital fires is a poorly understood but critical skill. To prepare senior undergraduate nursing students for these rare but dangerous situations, an innovative simulation was developed. The purpose was to develop leadership skills necessary to perform timely and safe evacuation of patients from high-acuity areas.

Guiding Theoretical Framework:
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) guided the simulation design. ELT emphasizes learning through doing, reflection, and active experimentation. Students participated in concrete experiences and reflected on their actions to solidify learning.

Description of the Project:
This simulation coincided with a campus fire drill on a scheduled simulation day. Students were provided with preparatory materials about fire drills and evacuation protocols. Second-semester senior nursing students acted as charge nurses, guiding first-semester seniors in vertically evacuating a postpartum patient and her newborn, as well as a ventilated adult patient down eight flights of stairs.

Target Population and Setting:
Participants consisted of 36 first- and 30 second-semester senior nursing students. The setting was a university high-fidelity simulation lab, mimicking a hospital environment.

Results/Outcomes/Evaluation:
Students evacuations occurred in under 10 minutes, surpassing the average campus evacuation time. Manual ventilation was maintained throughout and actions were praised by firefighters and campus security for efficiency and patient safety.

Discussion and

Conclusion:
Experiential learning can effectively teach students complex emergency procedures. The integration of simulation with real-time drills enhanced teamwork, patient safety, and preparedness for evacuations.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: This session will discuss an innovative simulation developed to teach senior undergraduate nursing students the leadership skills needed to keep patients safe during a hospital fire requiring evacuation.