SimWars Simulation Case Book: Emergency Medicine Edited by LisaJacobson, YasuharuOkuda, and Steven A.Godwin. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015; 320 pp; $70 (softcover).

Abstract

SimWars Simulation Case Book: Emergency Medicine is a soft-covered book that contains simulation cases on the topic of emergency medicine. EM training is invaluable and simulation has become more popular in recent years as an additional method for teaching residents. This book, and the cases it outlines, can be used with residents or in combination with providers and nursing education. The book is broken down into three parts. Part I goes over the basic concepts—the “101″ of simulation. It reviews the concept behind simulation SimWars and how to best teach residents and students. This part reviews the setup of the SimWars, as well as how to moderate and give feedback. Part II is filled with 46 SimWars simulation cases grouped into types (e.g., altered mental status, trauma, and pediatrics). These scenarios have been tested at national emergency medicine conferences. The cases also have patient safety and ethical decisions components. Each case starts with a scenario overview, which is a brief description of the case, the patient, and the surrounding situation. It then proceeds to teaching the objectives and discussion points one should review. The “nuts and bolts” of the simulation is bulleted for easy review. Critical actions are clearly spelled out. There is a timeline from 0 to summaries of transition points in the case, and each transition point lists critical actions. There are imaging and EKG references in the appendices, which are in Part III. The appendices contain all of the case images, including x-rays, EKGs, CT scans, and ultrasounds. Each image includes a description and has a number that refers to the corresponding case. The cases in this publication are clearly thought out, with each transition point and outcome clearly stated. The appendices contain great images and EKGs to help with the simulation scenarios and teaching. SimWars Simulation Case Book: Emergency Medicine has excellent scenarios that can also be used if one does not have a high-fidelity simulator. Simulation has become a very valuable tool in teaching emergency medicine, and this book would be good for any type of emergency medicine staff. It teaches about the subject at hand as well as coordination of working together as one solid team. I highly recommend this book.