NCJ Number
214595
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 54 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 48-49,51,52
Date Published
April 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes simulation training packages available for first responders online.
Abstract
The Virtual Incident Command (VIC) is a three-dimensional simulation that lets trainees interact with the virtual environment so they experience realistic consequences as a result of their decisions. VIC was initially designed to be used in the Center for Domestic Preparedness WMD Incident Command course as the capstone simulation exercise for the first 3 hours of a chemical release event. VIC has three primary stations. The Virtual Mobile Incident Command Unit's three video monitors present out-the-window views of Model City. Student responders make decisions based on information delivered through simulated radio traffic, television news reports, telephone calls to the emergency operation center, out-the-window scene displays, and live, virtual central dispatch communications. The instructor monitors the scenario's progress and student responses by using the Facilitator Station. Optional events can be inserted to help or challenge the trainees. The third station is the dispatcher's station, where the VIC system operator interacts with the scenarios to dispatch and log response decisions being radioed in by the student responders in the command post. Another online simulation training package, called the Best Practices Lessons Learned series, includes peer-validated field experiences collected from emergency response professionals, such as medical support to injured riot control officers, monitoring structural stability following a major building collapse, and victim identification and record creation during a mass casualty incident. Other online training packages provide cost-effective mission rehearsal and virtual prototyping tools for the emergency response community. One training package currently being developed has the goal of allowing almost everyone involved in combating terrorism to use this tool.