Virtual disasters help prepare for real threats

Police in the US have been using state-of-the-art computer simulation technology for emergency management training to prepare for potential disasters. The Advanced Disaster Management Simulator (ADMS) from Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC) is a virtual reality simulation training stage that provides a true-to-life experience for incident commanders, first responders and incident command teams to train, assess and practise incident command and vehicle operation skills.

Orlando Police Department’s emergency response team was given access to the simulation technology as part of a free day of training offered to local emergency personnel once a year by ETC. The training session allowed first responders the opportunity to experience high-end simulation as a training tool.
The simulation exercise was developed in conjunction with the Orlando Police Department’s emergency response team to meet its specific training requirements.

Captain Carl Metzger, commander of the emergency response team, explained: “ETC’s simulator allows the frontline supervisors and commanders with the Orlando Police Department to become totally immersed in the training exercise. The detailed graphics, 180-degree screen and realistic scenarios provide emergency response team leaders with an opportunity to hone their skills in the most realistic environment available.”