Emergency services introduce virtual reality technology to train emergency managers

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is using virtual reality (VR) technology to provide its emergency managers with an immersive training experience, testing their knowledge, skills and decision-making in a realistic environment.

Commanders use information, intelligence, risk assessments, plans and procedures to assess an incident so that they and the wider Trust can develop strategies and tactics to deal with it. Possible incidents include multi-vehicle road accidents, floods and terrorist attacks.

During training, virtual reality headsets are worn or a joystick is used, creating three-dimensional moving images with realistic sound effects and voice overs that replicate a live incident.

“It provides an immersive, safe and controllable learning environment that is very exciting and realistic. It is a really effective training.”

SWASFT Commander.

During scenarios, the software is extremely versatile and allows the trainer to adapt to the commander’s instructions, for example to request air support, evacuate people from unsafe environments and conduct Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Programme (JESIP) meetings.

The Command Development Team can create any scenario to ensure its commanders receive the best and most relevant training.

As with real incidents, commanders completing the training are required to establish their initial actions, provide the virtual Incident Support Desk with updates from the incident scene via radio and use the recognised M/ETHANE format. JESIP meetings are held with other colleagues in the room providing comments and updates prepared by partner agencies that normally work with SWASFT on incidents, including police, fire, coastguard and RNLI.

“I learned so much by watching my colleagues handle each scenario. It gave me more confidence and gave me new ideas on how to develop my practice.”

SWASFT Commander.

The VR training is one element of the SWASFT’s new two-year Command Licence cycle, which requires operational, tactical and strategic commanders to achieve the level of competency required to perform their role, whether in an on-call or core duty capacity.

In the first year, commanders responding to live operations must complete this VR training. In the second year, they must submit body-worn videos (BWV) to the Command Development Team in which they lead a live operation or exercise.

“We are proud to be the first emergency service in the country to offer this type of virtual reality training.

“As a Trust, we continue to work hard to evolve the care we provide to our patients by using innovative tactics to better equip our staff.”

Mark Harwood, Command Development Officer and medic.

SWASFT is also looking to roll out this technology to other areas of the Trust, such as the emergency call centres where emergency calls are received. This would allow emergency responders from across the region to remain in one location but have the benefits of cross-team collaboration, increasing realism, protecting the environment, saving travel time and reducing costs – all in line with the service’s environmental and sustainability commitment.

During the first six weeks of this new program, five command development courses were held throughout the SWASFT region.

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