Table 1. Text on emergency scenario cards presented to subjects in the study.

Emergency Scenario (Card #1)

You are currently in the middle of extracting a tooth on this 62-year-old male. His medical history is significant for obesity, angina pectoris, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. You have been working for about 30 minutes, and the tooth suddenly breaks in half with a very loud cracking sound. This startles the patient, who was already apprehensive because of the nature and length of the procedure. He suddenly sits forward and presses his fist to his chest. You ask if he is ok, and he gasps that he has a burning, pressing sensation. He uses his other hand to reach into his pocket to pull out a small bottle. He opens the bottle and takes one small pill. You are his primary provider. Please treat this as a true emergency and verbalize to the investigators what you will do to address the situation.

Acquisition of Oxygen (Card #2)

Treat this situation as a true emergency. Obtain the oxygen tank, and return to administer it to the patient immediately. Do not speak to the co-investigators until you feel that you have completely finished the exercise. Return this card to the co-investiga- tors when you are ready to start.

Completion of the Experiment (Card #3)

Thank you for your response. Is there anything else that can be done to address this situation?