The effectiveness of training with an emergency department simulator on medical student performance in a simulated disaster.

Objective: Training in practical aspects of disaster medicine is often impossible, and simulation may offer an educational opportunity superior to traditional didactic methods. We sought to determine whether exposure to an electronic simulation tool would improve the ability of medical students to manage a simulated disaster.

Methods: We stratified 22 students by year of education and randomly assigned 50% from each category to form the intervention group, with the remaining 50% forming the control group.

A community-based model for medical management of a large scale sporting event.

Objective: To develop and assess a community-based model for medical coverage for a large multisport event.

Design: The model included pre-event risk stratification, a concise training program for all medical volunteers, and detailed medical control guidelines. Prospective data collection was performed using standardized injury reporting forms.