Sim-Game based Training System for Scene and Patient Management Following Blast Injury from Explosives Including Improvised Explosive Device (IED)

Explosive devices are the most frequently used weapons in combat and by terrorists. The greatest diagnostic challenges for clinicians at all levels of care in the aftermath of explosions are the large numbers of casualties and multiple penetrating injuries. Skilled/experienced combat medics and EMTs need to be aware of the resultant unique patterns, multiple etiologies, and complexity of blast injury and to employ appropriate response strategies and tactics. Over the past several years, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and terrorist incidents throughout the world have significantly increased the body of knowledge regarding the treatment of injuries from explosions. The first priority of this effort is to take lessons learned and provide up-to-date, quality, technology-assisted training for US armed forces that will augment other ongoing efforts. Beyond ensuring that our deployed forces have the best knowledge available, this program will address the immense need to provide US tactical EMS/first responders with a similar knowledge base and skill set. SimQuest has laid the preliminary groundwork for a simulation-based game that will enable users to access existing blast scene/management expertise. The over-arching goal is to provide training specific to explosive blast events that will improve care rendered by providers at the scene.