Event Report >> Trauma Day 2008

Scrubs' 'Trauma Day' is in my opinion one of the best events the society organises, this year's event was no exception. As a committee member, my view may be slightly biased, however it was after attending this event during my first year of medical school that provoked my interest in both Scrubs and emergency medicine. It gives students an excellent opportunity to gain hands on experience in mock emergency situations.

This event was organised by Scrubs but, more significantly in my opinion, was led by Mr. Coffey (A&E consultant, QMC). For those of you who know him, I'm sure you'd agree he is both an excellent and enthusiastic teacher, as well as a genuinely nice chap - as you will discover for yourselves if you come to join him next year for the customary post-Trauma Day pint of Guinness in a nearby drinking establishment! Joining Mr. Coffey at the helm of the ship this year was Jay-Jay who is equally keen to impart his knowledge on Trauma medicine.

After a brief talk in the morning from both these individuals the key focus of the day was to learn about various emergency situations through different practical stations, this included:

Motorbike accident - log roll and removing helmet safely
Triage situation following a roadside traffic accident
Management/resus of the ciritically ill patient (focussing on the ABC priniciples)
Management of the intoxicated/later unconscious patient

Working through these stations with your peers, overseen by the specialists within these areas, provides an excellent insight into the skills required in these situations. For example: working to a set plan/protocol in a pressure situation, management of your colleagues e.g. the importance of good communication skills and the delegation of jobs/roles to each member of the team.

If you come to next years event, expect to learn something, expect to have fun but don't expect it to be a traumatic experience as the arguably misnomic name could possibly suggest!

Oliver Fuge, Anatomy Co-ordinator