IPC Escape Room Starter Kit
Interactive escape rooms are an engaging way to reinforce infection prevention and control (IPC) concepts through team-based problem-solving and real-world scenarios. This starter kit brings together proven escape room resources developed and/or implemented by Wood County Health Department and Mountain Pacific, who consulted with Blackfeet Tribal Health Systems as part of NACCHO’s Project Firstline Adaptation of Tools and Resources Project to support IPC training across healthcare and public health settings.
These materials can be used as-is or adapted to meet local needs.
This IPC escape room starter kit includes two approaches to implementing an IPC escape room:
Option 1: IPC Escape Room Manual
This comprehensive manual, developed by Mountain Pacific, QIN-QIO, Casper College, the New Jersey Department of Health, the Utah Department of Health, and the New York State Health Facilities Association, Inc., provides everything needed to plan and run a full IPC escape room. It includes facilitator guidance, printable materials, station setup instructions, and debrief prompts.
Option 2: Scenario-Based Escape Rooms
Modular, scenario-based escape rooms developed and implemented by Wood County Health Department focused on specific organisms or departments that can be used independently or adapted to complement existing IPC training efforts.
Use the IPC Escape Room Quick Start Guide for an overview, planning guidance, and tips for selecting and using the resources above.
Webinar: Breaking Out of Traditional Training – IPC Escape Rooms in Practice
NACCHO hosted a webinar on April 1, 2026 highlighting two distinct approaches to Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)-themed escape rooms in public health settings, developed or implemented as part of NACCHO’s Project Firstline Adaptation of Tools and Resources Project. Crystal Morse, Regional Supervisor, Mountain Pacific, who consulted with Blackfeet Tribal Health Systems during the project, presented a structured Project Firstline escape-room model and key design considerations. Ashleigh Konopka, Epidemiologist, Wood County, shared her experience independently developing and implementing three IPC escape rooms tailored to different topics.
This session provided practical insights and adaptable strategies for jurisdictions interested in interactive, workforce-focused training approaches.
View pictures of IPC Escape Room events held by the Wood County Health Department.
