Doctors’ Real Stories
R Baby’s programs are saving lives.
Dr. Bryan Jordan
Emergency Department Physician, Bridgeport Hospital, Connecticut
“The R Baby Foundation Simulation Program came to our hospital and offered their program to anyone who wanted to participate. The program was a fantastic simulation and instructional course for the treatment of critically ill children. But, more importantly, is what happened later that day.
I was working in another Emergency Department when an 18-month-old boy, who had been sick for about a day and a half, was brought in by his mother. He had a very fast heart rate and had a fever. He was not responding appropriately. He appeared ill.
The possibilities for serious illness and life threatening conditions required immediate intervention. In addition to my previous training, I utilized the information and procedures reviewed in that day’s R Baby class, specifically the administration of fluids, the constant reassessment of vital signs and the supervision of the Emergency Department Team’s care.
After hydration of the patient by protocol, his rapid heart rate spontaneously resolved. A few short seconds after that his eyes opened, he became more responsive and he smiled when he saw his mother.
In life, things happen for a reason. There was a reason I was there that morning attending the R Baby class. And there was a reason I was in that ED that evening at 7 o’clock. This is why I am sharing this story, because I believe in this simulation training. I think it is a great program. I believe it will make differences in the care of critically ill children.”
Pediatric Fellow
Pediatric Emergency Department
“A private pediatrician referred a 3-week-old baby whose heart rate was very fast in the office, but when I evaluated the baby in the emergency department the baby was completely well. We did an EKG which was also normal and which recorded a heart rate of 172. Honestly, I thought the baby was fine, but because the PEP vital signs insist on a heart rate of less than 168 for a baby in the ED, I consulted Pediatric Cardiology. They did a bedside echocardiogram that showed decreased function and the baby was diagnosed with ectopic atrial tachycardia, an abnormal heart rhythm that can be life-threatening if undetected, and was admitted to the pediatric ICU.”
Experienced Non-Pediatric Physician
Rural Community ER, Upstate New York
“I cared for an 8-year-old boy who appeared to be very well. If not for that lecture (on PEP Vital Signs for Children) on any other given day I would have contacted the child’s primary care physician and discharged him to follow-up the next day. However, because of your vital signs rules I contacted the pediatric intensivist at SUNY Upstate Medical Center and presented the case to him. He agreed to accept the patient in transfer for observation. I followed up with him in 36 hours and he informed me that the child’s heart did not decrease. Cardiac echo showed a modest but definite depression of cardiac function and there were elevations of cardiac enzymes, and the diagnosis was Myocarditis, a life-threatening inflammation of the heart.”
Medical Staff
General Emergency Department
“At an INSPIRE site following training, a report noted two patients with viral meningitis were diagnosed after an intern completed our training and did an effective lumbar puncture. These diagnoses could not have been made if the samples had been filled with blood or not obtained effectively due to failed attempts, and this would have significantly impacted these patients’ lives.”
“There is no better environment in which to train and learn than our own ED, and this is a defining characteristic of this program as code scenarios and advanced simulation technology are brought directly to us. This unique and dynamic education is provided in a thoughtful and purposeful way in a supportive environment where we aren’t afraid to make mistakes.”
“Our staff confidence in code situations has increased by leaps and bounds since the initiation of this program, and it has been extremely gratifying to see our code practice put successfully into action.”
“Staff began this endeavor two years ago with nervous anticipation and anxiety but have now come to embrace the opportunities that the simulations provide. Perhaps the greatest testament to this partnership is how often I am asked with excitement when Dr. Katznelson and her team will be back to work with us again!”
“Thank you for including us in the pediatric Mock Codes. It was such a wealth of information for myself and the staff [in the] ED. I looking forward to working on the list that you have provided to ensure we have evidence based practice and continue to sharpen our skills.”
“They are as close as you can get to the real thing! I always leave the mock codes having learned something and something to practice or be mindful of. Such a good learning experience in a safe environment!”
“Intense, thorough scenarios with great feedback.”
“JHH does a fantastic job with our mock codes. Our previous mock drills don’t even compare.”
“Good learning experience for situations we don’t see often. Helps improve our CPR quality. Helps teach all staff where different supplies are located on unit.”
“Invaluable resource, we are so appreciative of this educational opportunity.”
“Her team continues to push us to improve, constantly supporting our efforts by providing real time and follow-up feedback, and fostering a support system that is a huge part of why this program has been such a success on our unit.”
“At an INSPIRE site following intubation, training, a faculty member noted that they used the checklist right before needing to intubate a patient and credited our checklist with their success in securing a life-support airway in that patient.”