Keeping it real – VR gives paramedics a reality check
LONG GONE ARE the days when a paramedic was
referred to as an ‘ ambulance driver ’.
The varied and demanding role of a front line paramedic extends way beyond patient transport or administering care in the back of an ambulance . In more recent years , the needs of the population have changed , which has had a direct impact on the role of the paramedic . As our older population increases , so do the number of people who live with multiple long term conditions . The paramedic has had to evolve to accommodate the demands of operating in increasing diverse situations and working environments . Nowadays , it is not uncommon for paramedics to be attached to a GP practice or to be working in community teams who aim to treat people locally and enable them to keep living in their homes . They can also be found working in response teams , dealing with major incidents ; or in management roles in senior leadership positions . In 2020 , QMU commenced the first year of its new BSc Paramedic Science course to develop a new generation of paramedics . To support the expansion of the role beyond acute trauma , new styles of teaching are being introduced . This is helping learners understand the wider paramedic role which now involves the management of long term conditions ; mental health care ; support of older people ; and work which will reduce hospital admissions . As if our paramedic students weren ’ t already living life in the fast lane , learning got a whole lot more exciting when QMU enlisted the expertise of Viarama – Scotland ’ s first virtual reality social enterprise . Together , Viarama , and QMU ’ s impressive paramedic teaching team , are creating a learning experience for students which is second to none . Sona Mojzisova , Lecturer on the BSc Paramedic Science , has worked as a paramedic for eight years . She explained : “ One of the great things about virtual reality ( VR ) is that it can allow people to have experiences that otherwise would be impossible . For paramedics , this means we can place students in situations that would be dangerous in real life , and we can do that safely in a controlled manner . Sometimes that situation maybe a dayto-day occurrence like dealing with someone in labour , or we can crank up the pressure by allowing them to experience a major incident or multiple casualty trauma .” Sona continued : “ Working on the front line , paramedics are exposed to stressful and sometimes extreme situations that require quick decision making and decisive action . Often , people don ’ t feel they are prepared for these situations but virtual reality is proving to be a game changer . It can be immensely useful in helping students get a feel for the situations that they will be working in . It allows them to feel as if they are part of a live event by learning from an expert who is dealing with the situation . They can use their observation skills ; make assessments about what is going on ; see decision making in action ; and identify risk . It provides an immersive experience which will prepare them well for delivering the person-centred care required from a modern day paramedic .” Billy Agnew , Founder of Viarama , said : “ Particularly in the current climate when everyone is working hard to keep students safe , VR is proving invaluable . We can gently expose students to situations that would be extremely challenging in a real-world setting . VR is allowing our students to experience complex episodes of care , but the crucial difference is that we can control what is shown , and how graphic a depiction that is . This allows learners to experience situations that would otherwise be very difficult to recreate in real life , which is vital in building confidence in their growing abilities . “ As the students advance in their learning , VR can be used to expose them to more complex and challenging situations . When the time is right , we can create a real hard core front line experience . It ’ s quite an exhilarating way to learn .” Viarama is excited to be leading the VR experience at QMU . Billy said : “ This forward-thinking and highly innovative approach taken by the University is setting the way for the future training and education of Scotland ’ s new generation of paramedics .” Find out more about the BSc Paramedic Science at QMU at www . qmu . ac . uk / study-here / undergraduate-study / 2021 / bsc-paramedic-science / ❒
20 QMYOU / Making a Difference in Healthcare