Victorian paramedics receive virtual reality training

Virtual reality training will be provided to Victorian paramedics, in an effort to better protect them from violence when responding to an emergency.

The ‘Occupational violence prevention education program’ is the first of its kind for emergency services.

The program uses the latest immersive technology in which paramedics can learn behavioural skills and tactics when confronted with a violent patient or bystander.

Once immersed in the 360-degree virtual reality experience, paramedics are given two real-life scenarios treating patients at scenes where they are exposed to occupational violence.

The training program is being delivered by a team of experts in hostage and crisis negotiation, critical incident management, special operations and personal protection.

In 2015/16, paramedics attended more than 5000 emergency cases where they were exposed to violence or aggression — an average of 13 cases every day.

Of these, 581 cases were formally reported as occupational violence incidents, and another 296 incidents have already been reported in the first half of 2016/17.

“Our paramedics are not punching bags. However, despite our zero tolerance approach, threats, abuse and violence against our hardworking paramedics sadly continues to occur,” said Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy.

A major focus of the Victorian Government’s Ambulance Action Plan was to improve paramedic safety and wellbeing. It provided $900,000 to deliver this occupation violence training to all paramedics.

The government also recently announced $500,000 for the Health Service Violence Prevention Fund so paramedics can trial high-tech body worn cameras on their uniforms in high-risk locations.

A $500 million plan has also been implemented to improve response times, which will employ 450 more paramedics, buy new vehicles and build new ambulance stations across the state.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Scott Kochsiek

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