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preparedness. Adding variety and complexities to sample scenarios used during
your annual drills will keep staff engaged and constantly learning. For example,
running a drill based on the rescue of a pediatric patient is one way to raise the
stakes and reinforce the importance of having response protocols down cold.
Thankfully I've never had to deal with an actual MH event, but knowing how
to react to a crisis gives our staff the confidence they need to save a life. Even
general awareness of MH makes them more cautious in their approach to sur-
gery and, because they understand that MH is a genetic disorder, they realize
the importance of properly screening for susceptibility and how to proceed in
the care of at-risk patients. They also understand that you can never be certain
when MH will strike, and they realize that knowing how to respond quickly and
calmly when it does is a life-saving skill every surgical team member should
have.
OSM
Ms. Thomas (ihmj2@hotmail.com) is an OR
clinical nurse with Main Line Health at Bryn
Mawr (Pa.) Hospital.
