The Problem

Although umbilical catheterization can be a lifesaving technique in the emergent management of a critically ill neonate, it is performed infrequently in the ED.¹ Simulation has emerged as a key teaching modality for residents to gain both proficiency and competency with this important procedure.²,³ Commercially available umbilical catheterization models are available, but costly, and often require an expensive investment (over $1,000 for a single trainer).⁴ This expense may discourage residency programs from acquiring the trainer and offering it to learners. In an effort to minimize this barrier to learning, a team from Kings County Hospital “home built” their own umbilical catheterization model. Their work was recently published in the Journal of Education and Teaching Emergency Medicine (JETem), and the ALiEM IDEA Series is proud to have recently teamed up with this journal to periodically share their innovations with our readership!

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