Introduction: Resuscitation courses are an integral aspect of continuous professional development. Course faculty bring a wealth of clinical expertise but may not have any formal simulation training. The ASPiH Standards (2023) provide educators with clear evidence-based guidance for the design, implementation and evaluation of simulation-based training.1 We discuss how the ASPiH standards are utilised as a quality assurance framework for the Bristol Clamshell Course; a resuscitative thoracotomy course teaching the technical and non-technical skills relevant to the management of blunt and penetrating chest trauma.

Methods: As a committee, we have considered how the ASPiH standards apply to the course content and delivery. We focus on the ASPIH core values including physical and psychological safety, quality, diversity inclusion, sustainability and excellence.1 These core values underpin everything we do and align with our wider goals of equipping clinicians with the skills to respond to knife crime related assault.

Results: To uphold the rigorous quality standards recommended by ASPiH, we train new faculty with a one day train the trainers course. This explores the underpinning educational theory, adult learning styles, simulation delivery and structured debriefing techniques. Effective debriefing is an essential element of simulation-based education. We use peer Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD) scoring as a means of continuous quality improvement.3 Pre and post course faculty meetings provide an opportunity for reflection and forward planning.

Discussion: The Bristol Clamshell course is an example of high-quality simulation-based education in the trauma and resuscitation space. The course has a clear overarching strategy to uphold rigorous educational values and standards. Delivering an educationally sound learning opportunity for candidates to achieve the learning objectives of the course.

Conclusion: The Bristol Clamshell demonstrates how rigorous, nationally approved educational standards for simulation-based practice can be incorporated into short trauma-based simulation courses. 

Dr.Julia Pasztorova is a clinical fellow and simulation fellow in intensive care medicine in North Bristol NHS Trust in the United Kingdom. She completed her medical training at the University of Exeter, UK, and graduated with honours in a BSc in Critical Care as an intercalated degree. Dr Julia has a strong interest in critical care medicine, simulated teaching, echocardiography and palliative care in critical care units. Despite being in the early stages of her career, she has co-developed the Bristol Clamshell Resuscitative Thoracotomy Course in the south-west of England in response to rising levels of knife-related crime.