Computer-based Simulation Technology for Training Technical

"This project will develop a "Simulation Training and Evaluation Platform (STEP)," which will provide combat medics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), nurses and physicians with an integrated simulator for initial and refresher training in life-savingprocedures. The project will focus on the development of performance metrics for key trauma skills and the identification of critical concepts to be trained for targeted user groups. A Virtual Torso will be developed as part of the simulator software core,which will exhibit accurate anatomical and physiological behavior and serve as a reference for training on a wide array of existing simulators. A comparison will be made between the performance characteristics of the STEP system versus conventionaltraining methods. A Learning Management System (LMS) will be developed that can track the user's performance in the context of case scenarios that emphasize cognitive, perceptual and motor skills. The first version of the LMS will be used to tie together afamily of simulation products, including part task trainer, manikin and PC-based simulators. The proposed STEP will provide an engaging, competitive experience for the trainee, for training in trauma skills vital to the performance readiness of combat andcivilian medical personnel. It is anticipated that the proposed simulator will address a large, emerging market for the training and objective evaluation of the procedural skills of medica