The number of accidents over the past decade involving emergency vehiclesis a major concern for emergency service providers. This study assessed the perception of adding a driving simulator to a traditional training program. The sample population consisted of Emergency Medical Technician students attending the National EMS Academy in Lafayette, LA. The group self-scheduled which day they would attend the driving portion of the class. Thisresulted in 52 participants in the control group and 50 participants in the treatment group. The treatment group used a driving simulator prior to driving on the competency course. Surveys were used to assess the emergency vehicle operators' perceptions of using a driving simulator as part of an emergency vehicle training course. The simulator allowed the treatment group to understand the course prior to actually driving the course. The control group thought the simulator would have afforded them the opportunityto learn the course before actually driving the course. Both groups thought the simulator should be a part of the driver training course, but did not see the simulator replacing actual driving experience. Emergency Medical Technician students in both the treatment and control group thought the simulator would improve their driving ability.
Samenvatting