Medical Simulation Training for First Response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Events

Increasing demands for military medical bioterrorism preparedness training make it critical to develop programs that teach healthcare professionals how to distinguish between symptoms of common problems and similar symptoms that indicate a terrorist attack. SIMmersion™ LLC (www.simmersion.com), in partnership with the National Capital Area Medical Simulation Center, (simcen.usuhs.mil), and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation (www.hjf.org), proposes to provide a computer-based training system using computer-simulated patients. The resulting simulation system will provide the necessary training, practice, and assessments required to improve a trainee’s capability to identify indicators, signs, and symptoms of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-explosive (CBRNE) attacks and to take appropriate action. Users will learn to distinguish smallpox and Marburg hemorrhagic fever from chicken pox and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which have similar symptoms but do not indicate a bioterrorist threat. The User will engage in a simulated conversation throughout training, perform a medical exam, and implement a post-diagnosis patient-management plan. Skills required to take a detailed medical history and implement an effective plan apply to other CBRNE events as well. The simulation features distributive learning and performance metrics capabilities to help users learn from their experience.