Where is simulation technology headed?
Mangeri: I am hopeful that emerging systems will not just supply students with symptoms and simulated autonomic responses, but sensory and emotional reactions as well that are inspired by the students’ own interaction. For instance, if the simulation is a child-based model and the EMT shows fear, the simulation will display symptoms and responses that a child would when faced with a fearful adult. This could be particularly important in EMT training. We need our EMTs and firefighters to have the human touch and to be able to connect socially with their patients. This skill may have to be something that is taught–or at least educationally enhanced–for future generations to do their jobs well. EMSResponder: Do you expect simulation-based training to fundamentally change EMT education? Mangeri: It already has. And I expect it may well change EMT education in general. The reason is this: As simulation training systems become more sophisticated and harvest more response data from students
