Evolving Emergency: The Casualty Gets Worse
Each group cares for a casualty whose condition changes every minute based on cards the teacher reveals: from responsive with pain, to unresponsive and breathing, and finally to cardiac arrest. Students practice adapting the Check, Call, Care sequence to a changing situation without freezing.
How to play
- Intro (3 min): review Check, Call, Care and the idea that you reassess every time something changes.
- Groups of 5 with a mat and a CPR manikin: lead rescuer, 911 caller, helper, observer and casualty, who is swapped for the manikin when the case reaches arrest.
- Minute 1: the teacher shows the first card, such as "student with chest pain after running"; the group checks the scene, talks to him and calls.
- Minute 2: second card, "stops responding but is breathing"; the group places him in the recovery position and monitors.
- Minute 3: third card, "stops breathing"; switch to the manikin and start compressions, rotating every 30 seconds for 2 minutes.
- Rotate roles and repeat with a new set of cards, for 4 rounds of about 5 minutes.
- Wrap-up (2 min): each group's observer shares which change caused the most hesitation.
Rules
- Compressions only on the manikin, never on a classmate.
- Every new card means reassessing before acting.
- Only the assigned student talks to 911, out loud so all can hear.
- The casualty acts it out without sudden movements.
Variations
Easier
Only two changes, with the card order known in advance.
Standard
Three changes per round in surprise order.
Harder
Cards can improve or worsen the casualty, and a new hazard appears in the scene that must be handled.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student takes the 911 caller or group coordinator role from a wheelchair.
- Anxious or shy students: start as observer and step in as rescuer in round two.
- Lower fitness: shorten compression rotations to 20 seconds.
Learning goals
- Apply Check, Call, Care in a changing situation.
- Reassess the casualty after every change in condition.
- Work as a team with defined roles during an emergency.
Equipment for a class of 25
- scenario cards: 20
- CPR manikins: 5
- mats: 5
- stopwatch: 5
Teacher tip
Students tend to keep doing what they were doing even when the card changes; pause and ask, "What just changed?" Prepare a different card set for each group.
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