Supporting Our Smallest Patients With Big Training Moments

Training educator and Memorial Hospital staff participate in hands-on training.

At Memorial Hospital, we’re committed to making sure our teams are always prepared, especially when it comes to caring for children in emergency situations.

This February, our ER Trauma Room hosted a hands‑on pediatric training led by Dana Rolland, RN from Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis. The session featured a mock pediatric code involving a 1‑year‑old child experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea.

During the simulation, our ER nurses, Cardiopulmonary team, and OR Manager worked together to complete a rapid primary survey and respond to a life‑threatening scenario. They practiced important skills such as early airway and breathing support, establishing an intraosseous IV, and using the Broselow tape to select correct medication doses and equipment sizes. They recognized critical symptoms, safely administered fluids, medications, and blood products and provided continuous monitoring and team communication.

Because true pediatric emergencies are rare in our ER, this training offered valuable “real‑feel” practice and boosted confidence for everyone involved. The class also included education on common childhood illnesses; what to look for and how to treat them quickly and safely.

Kim Ruebke, ER Nurse Manager, shared the importance of this experience, saying, “Giving our staff hands‑on training is crucial. This simulation helped our team practice recognizing serious symptoms, choosing the right equipment, and working together to respond quickly. It was a valuable learning experience for everyone.”

At Memorial Hospital, we’re proud to invest in ongoing education that strengthens teamwork, enhances skills, and ensures we’re ready to deliver the best care to every patient, big or small.