Driver simulators enhance emergency response training
Simulation Technology works closely with vehicle manufacturers to ensure programs are as realistic as possible
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By Jamie Thompson
EMS1 Senior Editor
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One of the most dangerous situations for any public safety worker to be in is responding to — or returning from — incidents.
Aggregated data shows at least 67 EMS providers were killed in ground transportation-related events over a six-year period from 1992. Meanwhile, firefighters are more likely to die traveling to or from a fire than fighting one.
There's a number of reasons for such statistics, but what is apparent is the need for organizations to take a more proactive stance toward improving response safety to help reduce the risks.
With its range of driver training simulator packages, Simulation Technology is aiming to empower agencies and departments to do just that.
Drawing on a wealth of experience in the driving simulation training business and more than a decade of service within the old-line simulation manufacturers, Simulation Technology's team is working to establish itself as one of the leading design and manufacturing companies of the driver sim industry.
"I think one of the differences with us compared to the other great companies that are out there is the fact we are first responder-centric; it is our dedicated area of focus," said Darren Basch, of sales and marketing/business development at Simulation Technology.
"We have a solid team of professionals from the automotive, electronics, and software industries, as well as an extended team — some of whom are our core members — who are first responders. This helps us to keep in close touch in understanding the active needs of our markets."
The company works closely with the manufacturers of vehicles and apparatus, Basch said, to ensure its simulation programs are as realistic as possible.
"It's a huge deal to be able to do this," he said. "Their direction and advice become part of our quality and assurance to ensure we get everything right."
Among the key features of the systems are:
- Authentic apparatus and vehicle cabs that utilize the actual cockpit components
- Vehicle dynamics that are developed by using the true CAN-Bus technology of the actual vehicles, taking into consideration multiple levels of reactive-dynamic metrics which are programmed into the software for a realistic drive
- Full interior vehicle cab renderings extending beyond the physical cab, including mirrors, A and B Pillars and sight lines throughout the geo-world that are geometrically correct from the driver's eye point, which, Basch said, is crucial for positive training on clearing intersections and defining accurate spatial relationships
- A true 230-plus degree field of view created using a five-screen array of 46-inch ultra-thin bezel LCD monitors
- A single PC per driver sim
Having already established itself as a manufacturer of police and fire-based systems, Simulation Technology now also offers EMS vehicle tailored simulators, both medium- and heavy-duty size, which were on display at EMS Expo in Dallas in September.
"They're two types of vehicles that run totally differently, with different sized chassis', different centerpoints of gravity, and different types of features. We ensure these physical and vehicle dynamic differences are modeled and rendered correctly," Basch said.
Most simulation is not designed to replace real-life learning, Basch said, but used in conjunction with the classroom and track, they are an invaluable tool that can be integrated into training programs.
"It's the safest way to learn how apparatus and vehicles react in different emergency scenarios," he said.
"We'll never know how many lives we will be able to save, as this is a proactive method, but in time there's no doubt as departments integrate this into their driver training and safety programs they will see a reduction in accidents and costs. They will truly be able to validate a driver simulation program as a positive attribution for a safer community."
Established in 2001, Simulation Technology is a team of professionals who are seasoned veterans in the first responder industries. Find them on the Web at www.sim-tech.us.
