Military Healthcare Simulation

Military healthcare simulation is a type of clinical simulation that uses education and training principles to help members of the military and related professionals gain the skills needed in the field. Often, this guidance comes in the form of military combat simulation training, which can be accomplished in a number of ways. From the use of virtual reality simulation headsets to manikins and standardized patients, military simulation is able to create realistic scenarios that military personnel must be ready and prepared for. These scenarios cover a wide range of experiences and focus relating to armed forces-based knowledge.

For example, today medics across the military are being instructed using VR simulation training. These medical simulation experiences help provide them with a foundation of knowledge they can later rely on when engaged in real-life situations. By putting on lightweight virtual reality headsets, they are able to transport themselves into high-definition immersive simulation experiences. In these virtual spaces, military medics or learners can partake in a scenario to become better prepared. Further, each scenario can be customized to establish the most impact for the particular method or technique they are being trained on.

Another benefit of enhanced, hands-on healthcare simulation training is that this resource introduces learners not only to performance techniques but can mimic realistic battlefield and overseas conditions. While learning how to effectively treat hemorrhage, airway compromise and tension pneumothorax are important, so is being able to provide aid in high-intensity situations in unfamiliar environments. With virtual reality simulation, this type of training is possible.

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Military Simulation Training Resources

EMS Solutions for Military Medical Simulation and Government Simulation: SIMULATIONiQ CORE is a dynamic simulation management platform with robust audio-video workflows, including simulation scenario scheduling, high-quality video recording, inventory tracking, and immediate debriefing. Additionally, SIMULATIONiQ Portable is a powerful data capture and debrief solution that enables high-fidelity data collection and performance evaluation for on-the-go training environments. It can be used as a standalone unit or networked with SIMULATIONiQ Enterprise. Other clinical simulation solutions suited for military simulation training include:

SIMULATIONiQ Mobile is a complete standalone video capture-to-debrief solution for on-the-go simulation training in any environment. Take your training event anywhere with the small-but-mighty SIMULATIONiQ Mobile. Setup within minutes.
SIMULATIONiQ IPE saves time, lowers cost, allows collaboration across distances, enables learners to practice together frequently, helps with accreditation requirements, and streamlines scheduling.

Medical-X ADAM-X: ADAM-X provides a highly lifelike, flexible, and student-centered learning experience that reduces skills fade compared to traditional classroom learning. ADAM-X is also wireless and can be used in immersive high-pressure training simulations, while deployed on operations, or even onboard military transport to reinforce life-saving medical and teamwork skills. ADAM-X marks a new standard in terms of realistic form and function. The manikin is a reproduction of the skeletal and anatomical structure of a human. Its distinctive and unique human characteristics and features, including a cardiovascular system, a realistic respiratory tract, auscultation, and the ability to make sounds make all trauma emergency training more realistic.

SimX The VALOR Program: SimX partnered with the US Air Force to create the Virtual Advancement of Learning and Operational Readiness (VALOR) program. This program makes medical simulation more comprehensive, flexible, and accessible. The overall goal is to make simulation training iniquitous in both civilian and military medicine. VALOR’s guiding principle is to enable healthcare workers to train how they fight. Fully immersive training means better retention of skills and better preparation.

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Military Simulation Research

The Evolution of Medical Training Simulation in the U.S. Military: Written by Amber S. Linde, Ph.D., M.S., and Kevin Kunkler, M.D, M.S., this article explains how the United States has been at war since 2003. During that time, training using medical simulation technology has been developed and integrated into military medical training for combat medics, nurses, and surgeons. Efforts stemming from the Joint Programmatic Committee-1 (JPC-1) Medical Simulation and Training Portfolio have also allowed for the improvement and advancement in military medical training by focusing on research in simulation training technology in order to achieve this.

This research shares how, based upon lessons learned, capability gaps have been identified concerning the necessity to validate and enhance combat medical training simulators. These capability gaps include 1) Open Source/Open Architecture; 2) Modularity and Interoperability, and 3) Material and Virtual Reality (VR) Models. Using the capability gaps, JPC-1 has identified important research endeavors that need to be explored.

Past Present and Future of Simulation in Military Medicine: Written by Allison A. Eubanks, Keith Volner, Joseph O. Lopreiato., this research discusses the concept of modeling and simulation (M&S) has long been an integral part of war-fighter military training dating to before World War II when pilots and infantry soldiers would train with simulators and mockups to prepare for battle. Army and Navy aviators would practice flying in simulated cockpits.

The turn of this century was when M&S saw application in healthcare. The most recent wars involving the United States and coalition partners have created the need for more training and practice in life-saving procedures on the battlefield and in the hospital. Therefore, in the 1960s, simulation was accepted as a successful addition to the preparation of medical personnel. This research touches on the past, present, and future of simulation across military simulation.

Using Simulation to Train Medical Units for Deployment: Written by Laura L Wiggins, DNP, CRNA, Janice Sarasnick, Ph.D., RN, CHSE-A, Nathan G Siemens, Airline Transport Pilot: Recent downsizing and budgeting issues have led to challenges when attempting to train military health care reserve forces. A specific military unit collaborated with a university simulation center in order to provide more meaningful training experiences that mirrored the deployment operational experience. The article discusses the processes used to initiate and build a simulation-based military health care training curriculum. The team consisted of an educator specializing in the use of simulation and military content experts.

An evaluation of high fidelity simulation using a human patient simulator in a new Diploma in Military Medical Care: The use of simulation in healthcare education has been extensively embraced over the past 20 years. Military Simulation enables the deliberate practice and allows for immersion in learning tasks. The practice also enables tasks to be structured in staged learning chunks and provides a controlled environment in which it is safe to learn from errors. This article evaluates the views of Irish Defence Force personnel participating in their first exposure to the Human Patient Simulator (HPS) in high-fidelity simulation scenarios with respect to its relevance, applicability, and acceptability as part of the Diploma in Military Medical Care.

Military Medical Simulation Center Example

Medical Simulation Training Center: The Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC) provides realistic medical training to both medical and non-medical Soldiers in the Active, Reserve, and National Guard. MSTCs provide hands-on instruction on the latest battlefield trauma and critical care techniques based on Medical Center of Excellence-approved performance-oriented Programs of Instruction. The Medical Training Command and Control (MT-C2) system is a command and control center that allows for remote training platform management by interfacing with the Instructor Support System and Virtual Patient System.

During an MSTC training event, Soldiers perform tasks on training devices within a high-stress, simulated combat environment. The MT-C2 system enables medical scenario integration, manikin control, audio video surveillance, and recording, as well as providing the capability to manipulate the environments in which scenarios take place in order to maximize the positive impact and training experience.

Together, these military simulation vendors, products, research, and simulation centers are helping pave the way for more enhanced military training initiatives. The use of military simulation has proven to be an effective means of learning the skills necessary to complete missions and respond to emergencies in the field. Through practice and preparation, the goal is to save as many lives as possible and deter military members and professionals from harm. Learn more about military healthcare simulation by reading the articles below.