Minn. (KEYC) – South Central Minnesota EMS is using virtual reality to bring high-level emergency training to small, rural ambulance services across the region
Mark Griffith and Tim, with South Central Minnesota EMS, joined “In the Spotlight” for a live demonstration using SimX software and VR headsets. The system places responders inside virtual scenarios, including the back of an ambulance and outdoor emergency scenes.
The program was purchased through grant funding from the Office of EMS and is now in its second year. Griffith said the team uses the headsets for a couple dozen trainings a year, with 12 scenarios currently checked out from a SimX library of 200 to 300 cases.
Training covers patient assessment, taking blood pressure, reading cardiac monitors, administering medications, starting IVs, performing CPR, and practicing hospital radio reports. Instructors can watch and coach in real time.
Griffith said the tool is especially valuable for volunteer departments in towns like Kiester, Springfield and New Richland, where bringing truckloads of equipment for in-person training is difficult. All that’s needed is a Wi-Fi connection.
The organization is also seeking volunteers, noting help is needed beyond medical roles, including laundry, paperwork and fundraising.
More information is available at sc-ems.org or by calling 507-257-3224.
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