East Midlands Ambulance Service introduces new virtual reality training for emergency response

The virtual reality (VR) headsets enable staff to experience different scenarios.

East Midlands Ambulance Service is 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.

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.”

The virtual reality (VR) headsets enable staff to experience different scenarios, such as treating patients with various injuries and managing multiple casualties simultaneously in locations like public spaces or workplaces.

Alongside this, crews can also participate in group discussions where they work through emergency situations together, discussing the decisions they would make and how they would work as a team.