Bec Inwood and Rebecca Caulfield undertake the airway Olympics

The Airway Olympics is a simulation-based learning activity designed to help nursing students build confidence in airway management in a way that feels engaging, practical, and relevant to real clinical environments. Students rotate through a series of interactive challenge stations, each with increasing complexity, encouraging them to apply clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills in dynamic scenarios. 

Design intentionally aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, Airway Olympics provides multiple ways for students to engage with content and demonstrate learning. Stations incorporate hands-on equipment, visual prompts, peer collaboration, and technology-enhanced supports such as QR codes linking to short videos, guides, and prompts. This allows students to access learning in flexible ways while encouraging independent and active participation. 

Importantly, scenarios extend beyond traditional hospital settings to include environments such as beaches, supermarkets, and community spaces. This helps students recognise that airway management skills are transferable and need to be adaptable to a range of unpredictable contexts. 

By combining simulation, gamification, and accessible technology, the Airway Olympics creates a supportive and inclusive learning experience that encourages participation, builds confidence, and helps prepare students to respond to airway challenges across diverse healthcare settings.