The role of clinical simulation in preparing for a pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created one of the largest global health challenges in modern history, with more than 100 million confirmed cases and 2.2 million deaths worldwide as of January 2021.1 Healthcare organisations have grappled with the challenges of mitigating risks to staff members and accommodating surges of critically ill patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), whilst attempting to maintain clinical standards.2 The safety of healthcare professionals involved in the provision of anaesthesia and critical care is of particular concern owing to their involvement in aerosol-generating procedures such as airway instrumentation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.