Peter Schlueer
Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) has launched an innovative training program for its EMS professionals using the WorldViz PRISM virtual simulation room. The EMSA Simulation Training for EMS Professionals program aims to prepare paramedics and EMTs for the high-stress, life-or-death situations they face in the field. Through PRISM’s immersive environment, trainees experience a 360-degree simulation that provides realistic scenarios, such as responding to hazardous material spills or complex trauma cases.
Watch Oklahoma’s News4 Channel television news coverage and KOCO-TVs news clip on EMSA’s innovative training program with the WorldViz PRISM virtual simulation room.
Television crew filming the EMSA launch of the WorldViz PRISM virtual simulation room.
EMSA's new training room is designed to mimic real-world conditions using a combination of immersive VR content and high-fidelity manikins that can simulate human responses, such as changes in blood pressure, breathing, and even realistic bleeding patterns. The purpose is to help first responders practice procedures in controlled yet challenging settings, reducing the risk of errors when they transition to real emergencies. This state-of-the-art system allows trainees to repeat scenarios until they master them, receiving real-time feedback from instructors.
EMSA team inside the WorldViz PRISM virtual simulation room.
“The EMSA SimTEP program is one of the most significant clinical education initiatives I’ve seen in my 15-year career at EMSA,” EMSA President and CEO Johna Easley said. “By delivering customized training that strengthens skills, gives data-driven feedback and improves knowledge retention, we will continue to improve upon the excellent clinical care we provide each day.”
This level of training, driving skills retention, is crucial. EMS providers must remain calm and decisive under pressure to deliver life-saving care. “We can take them from beginning to end of a call, and they don’t have to imagine anything in what they are doing,” said Rusty Friske, simulation operation specialist, with EMSA.
The WorldViz PRISM virtual simulation room is specifically designed to provide unparalleled levels of immersion and interactivity for professional training. The technology enables teams to create a variety of customizable scenarios that are highly visual and responsive. Instructors can choose specific variables, such distractions or environmental hazards, to adapt the training to each learner’s proficiency and learning needs. This flexibility ensures that trainees are not just learning protocols but are also practicing critical thinking and decision-making skills in a safe and highly engaging space.
One of the standout features of the PRISM room is its ability to recreate complex, high-stakes scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate in traditional training settings. From multi-vehicle collisions to multi-patient triage scenarios, EMS professionals can hone their skills without the constraints of physical space or resources. Additionally, the VR system is equipped with data collection capabilities, allowing EMSA to review each session and provide data-driven feedback on trainees’ performance.
“SimTEP will transform EMS training at EMSA by utilizing immersive environments and high-fidelity manikins that provide a realistic hands-on experience that will prepare professionals for real-world emergencies,” Tina Mathes, EMSA director Clinical Services said. “EMSA’s Clinical Educators are very eager to introduce SimTEP to our providers.”
The integration of the PRISM system is a testament to EMSA’s forward-thinking approach to EMS training. WorldViz VR is proud to support EMSA’s mission of delivering high-quality emergency care through technology that bridges the gap between training and real-world application. With EMSA setting a new standard in EMS training, the WorldViz VR PRISM simulation room is poised to become an essential tool for EMS agencies nationwide looking to elevate their training programs and improve patient outcomes.
For more information on the WorldViz VR PRISM virtual simulation room, visit the WorldViz website.
