The simulated paediatric resuscitation team training programme (SPRinT) launched TOM – their new Teenage Open-chest simulation Model – at an event at Royal Brompton in March.TOM is a bespoke model which has the ability to have the chest realistically opened which gives specialist staff the chance to rehearse critical events that need clinical teams to work closely together. TOM joins SPRinT’s Harley, their groundbreaking open-chest child model and their other simulation models.
Georgia Crawford, Chair of the Friends of Royal Brompton, welcomed guests before presentations by Dr Margarita Burmester, SPRinT co-director and consultant intensivist, and Dr Mary Lane, SPRinT co-director and consultant anaesthetist, who explained the purpose and activities of the SPRinT programme, its awards and successes and showed video footage of the team in action.
Mr Olivier Ghez, paediatric cardiothoracic consultant, then performed an emergency re-sternotomy (re-opening of the chest) on TOM.
TOM is the result of a successful bid funded by STeLI (Simulated and Technology enhanced Learning Initiative) from the London Deanery. The makers of Harley and TOM, Health Cuts, the company that specialises in prosthetics for medical training, TV and film, including BBC’s Holby City and Casualty, were present at the event to meet and answer guests’ questions.
The Friends of Royal Brompton, hosted the evening. To date the charity has funded more than £70,000 for the SPRinT programme. Dr Burmester said: “SPRinT has been enthusiastically supported by The Friends of Royal Brompton. We are very grateful for their ongoing support.”