Tea trolley training: a novel approach to prehospital teaching.
Emergency Medicine Journal · 2026-01-14 · Observational study
Abstract
The 'tea trolley training' model is well described and established in hospital medical education, but, to the authors' knowledge, has not previously been used for training in the prehospital environment. We sought to adapt this workplace-based teaching approach to improve intraosseous (IO) knowledge, confidence and morale among ambulance clinicians, without adversely affecting operational performance.A mobile 'tea trolley' containing IO equipment, task trainers and refreshments was taken to two emergency department ambulance bays on separate days. Short teaching sessions were delivered opportunistically to prehospital clinicians by a critical care team. An anonymised QR-code survey captured role, self-reported impact on knowledge, confidence, morale and inter-professional working.62 clinicians responded (including paramedics, emergency care assistants and technicians). Most reported improved IO skills and knowledge (94%, n=58), with the remainder neutral. All respondents felt the format worked well and would attend future sessions. Almost all (98%, 61/62) reported improved morale, and all felt that regular tea trolley training would enhance collaborative working between the ambulance service and local air ambulance. No adverse impact on turnaround times was reported.Adapting tea trolley training to the prehospital setting is feasible, well received and perceived to improve IO competence, morale and collaborative working, without compromising operational resilience.
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Tags
Critical care & advanced paramedics · Helicopter & air ambulance · Paramedics & EMTs · Clinician perspective · Teamwork & human factors
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