Training and Simulation Center Developed
By Heidi K. Gamblin, EMT-I
To address current and future “first response” education for healthcare and public safety, the Hampton Roads MMRS along with the Tidewater EMS Council (TEMS) are proud to introduce the Kent J. Weber Emergency Response Training and Simulation Center. Located at the Tidewater EMS regional office in Norfolk, near the Interstate 64 and 264 interchange, this facility is in a great location to serve the local jurisdictions, as well as medical facilities, physician offices and other educational facilities.
This versatile learning environment will provide students immediate feedback of performance while they practice and master skills and knowledge using special equipment and advanced teaching materials in simulated settings. The MMRS and TEMS staff researched and traveled to other successful simulation and training centers around the country to learn how to better complement and outfit this new facility. The goal of all those who have been involved in this project is to have the best and brightest healthcare and public safety responders and everyone is positive that this venture will assist the Hampton Roads area in this endeavor.
Although the Center has a few months before it is officially open, it already has received wonderful feedback. A survey was conducted among several focus groups, including local fire, EMS, hospital and law enforcement departments. The response was positive and allows simulation center staff to concentrate on what emergency responders, as well as health care providers, would like to see in terms of most requested and needed training and education. Several training classes have already helped us fine tune audio/visual needs, student flow and facility logistics.
Tidewater EMS Executive Director Jim Chandler states “The Center will bridge a gap between standard classroom training and the field. We want to provide a realistic setting to help first responders, medical providers and leaders master their knowledge and skills.”
The Center will feature state-of-the-art audio/visual and digital recording equipment as well as human simulation training manikins including, the Laerdal Sim Man, an ALS Sim Trainer, a Sim-Baby Trainer and a Megacode kid. The setting will incorporate one large multi-purpose classroom plus three emergency department treatment rooms which can be converted into various other settings to give students a real time/real place scenario to conduct a variety of training activities.
A few of the programs that the Center will be able to offer include:
The Kent J. Weber Emergency Response and Simulation Training will be fully operational later this summer. The namesake, Kent Weber, is a director and treasurer of the Tidewater EMS Council Board of Directors. Mr. Weber was instrumental in the selection of the new council facility. The board named the Center in his honor in April. A September dedication is being planned.