This article assesses the role of ward-based simulation in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Based on an initiative introduced at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, London, it supports many of the positive claims made about the value of simulation in such contexts. The role of simulation was audited on the basis of feedback from staff, who indicated that the opportunity to practise their skills in a realistic setting increased confidence in their abilities to respond to a real-life event and promoted critical reflection. Further analysis indicated that, as a learning resource, simulation compares well with real-life experience, but is most effective when deployed alongside frequent updates based on more traditional teaching methods.