Virtual emergency training for paramedics

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has become the first in the UK to introduce two new training tools to replicate emergency situations.

The REACT-XR and REACT-TTX platforms (see video above) use virtual reality and group-based scenario exercises to help prepare ambulance crews and specialist teams for major incidents.

Staff can practice responding to a range of emergency situations in a safe and controlled environment.

They use virtual reality (VR) headsets to experience different scenarios, such as treating patients with different injuries and managing several casualties at once in locations like public spaces or workplaces.

Alongside this, crews can also take part in group discussions where they work through the emergency situations together, talking about the decisions they would make and how they would work as a team.

This training aims to help staff develop their skills, enhance teamwork, and support a consistent standard of care for patients across the service region, which includes Lincolnshire.

By practicing in digital settings that the VR headsets provide emergency responders can be better prepared for the types of incidents they may face in real life.

EMAS worked with the developers to introduce the programme to staff, following a successful funding application and support from the Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response (EPRR) team.

It continues to expand the range of training scenarios available and exploring opportunities for joint training with other emergency services.

Jonny Berrecloth, EMAS Special Operations Training Manager said: “This training provides our staff with additional opportunities to practice and develop their skills in a safe environment.

“We continue to review feedback and develop the programme to support our teams and the communities we serve.

“We are grateful to our teams for their positive approach and willingness to adopt new ways of learning, helping us continue to improve emergency care for our communities.”