Training future paramedics in Second Life
30th October 2008
More and more organisations, whether public or private, are joining the virtual worlds bandwagon and the National Health Service (NHS) are no different. Paramedics in training are using Second Life to take part in scenerios they may find themselves in real life, through their virtual avatar. The scenerios are set by the institution in which they are training.
St George’s Hospital, University of London and Kingston University believes it is the first in the country to provide this innovative type of training to its future paramedics. It enables trainee doctors to test out scenerios without the worry of it being a life threatening situation, if the wrong medication is given it is something to learn from.
Typical ambulance equipment is available to them such as oxygen masks and an electrocardiagram (ECG) that is used on the heart. Notes that are taken by the trainee are automatically emailed to their real life tutor for feedback and advice on how they dealt with the scenerio.
Feedback from trainees showed that 90% benefitted excessively from this training aid, and said it will help them to deal with situations when on the ground. “I find it a lot better then sitting and reading my notes.” One trainee paramedic said. The e-learning unit at St George’s Hospital is now looking at rolling this virtual training tool out to other specialisms such as midwifery and physiotherapy.
Second Life is viewed in many different ways, by many different people – and those are the people who know what it is! However, it is ever more popular with organisations and companies that can exploit it for their own benefit. The innovative projects and work going on in Second Life is very exciting, and it would be a shame for it to be missed…..
