East Midlands Ambulance Service introduces VR training for emergency…

We have become the first ambulance service in the UK to introduce two new training tools – REACT-XR and REACT-TTX. These platforms use virtual reality and group-based scenario exercises to help prepare ambulance crews and specialist teams for major incidents. With this approach, 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 region. By practicing in digital settings that the VR headsets provide, our emergency responders can be better prepared for the types of incidents they may face in real life. We worked with the developers to introduce the programme to our staff, following a successful funding application and support from the Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response (EPRR) team. We are continuing to expand the range of training scenarios available and exploring opportunities for joint training with other emergency services. Jonny Berrecloth, Special Operations Training Manager at East Midlands Ambulance Service 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.”