Ambulance drivers getting state-of-the-art training
BY MICHELLE L. START Florida Weekly Correspondent
Lee County Emergency Medical Services is hoping a video game like system will help provide an additional resource when it comes to ambulance driving training.
"The driving simulator complements the programs and procedures that we have in place to ensure a safe and efficient drive to and from the hospital," said Capt. Art Garcia, quality supervisor and lead emergency vehicle operations instructor for Lee County EMS. "The simulator will allow us to refine our emergency vehicle operations training for the specific needs of an individual."
The simulator replicates the driving compartment of a typical ambulance and includes approximately 150 road scenarios and driving hazards from heavy traffic and street signals to road hazards and treacherous weather systems. The system features two 65-inch high resolution rear projection monitors that give forward views and two 42-inch plasma wide-screen displays providing realistic side views. Two modern, remote controlled mirror views complete the realistic visual display. Simulator training has resulted in reported lower collision rates and improved safety. A reaction monitoring system allows instructors to compare and measure students' driving skills against nationally accepted standards.
"This new training system will provide state of the art driving simulation system, offering practical applications of ambulance operations to EMT and paramedic students early in the curriculum, and ultimately increase safety on the road," said Jeff Ziomek, Edison College's EMS Program Coordinator. The system was installed at Edison College's EMS simulation lab.
"It gives feedback and they can re-play it," said spokesman Paul Filla about the Doron Driving Simulation System
Ambulance drivers are at an increased risk of road accidents because they are driving at higher speeds under emergency conditions, work under time pressures and at irregular hours.
In October alone, there have been 20 crashes involving ambulances or emergency medical responders throughout the United States, according to an ambulance crash log maintained by EMS Network.
As part of the Lee County EMS orientation process, employees participate and must demonstrate proficiency in the techniques taught during a three-day course using curriculum from the National Academy for Professional Driving. Employees drive an ambulance on a closed-road course to determine their proficiency in the techniques which include steering, pitch control, avoiding cones, and overall smoothness. The new simulator will allow EMS to provide more one-on-one training for individuals with specific requirements. In addition, the simulator provides the opportunity to play back and review the simulated experience.
Edison College trains EMS providers for the Southwest Florida region, authorized by the State of Florida to provide EMT and paramedic training to the region. Approximately 150 paramedics and 250 EMTs are trained at Edison annually. Lee County EMS currently employs 232 paramedics and EMTs and responded to more than 70,000 emergency calls for service in 2006.
