High Fidelity Simulations to Improve Pediatric Airway Management: A Narrative Review

Abstract

High-fidelity simulations have become an important aid in clinical practice and research. In the pediatric field, they allow for the creation of scenarios involving emergency situations, in which decision-making algorithms must be rapidly applied, as is the case with airway management. Our narrative review examines articles in English indexed in PubMed, using the following search terms: high-fidelity simulation, pediatric, difficult airway management, bag mask ventilation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, cricothyrotomy, laryngoscopy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and emergency situations. Airway management, along with venous access management, has always been one of the most challenging issues in pediatric anesthesia. The scarcity of patients and procedures, combined with the need to ensure high quality standards, necessitates simulations. Using high-performance devices and realistic settings allows us to reproduce not only the desired technical scenario, but also the emotions and group dynamics. High-fidelity simulations therefore prove to be an excellent aid for pediatric airway management, enhancing the hard and soft skills of both the team and the individual. Simulations allow us to replicate scenarios that are uncommon in clinical practice but have a significant impact due to their potential severity.

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