Learning In Motion

Hands-On Training for Future First Responders

When an ambulance is speeding to the hospital, EMTs and paramedics must care for patients while working in a small, moving space. It's a challenging job that takes skill, teamwork, and quick thinking.

Now, students in Hawkeye Community College's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Paramedic programs can practice those skills before they ever respond to a real emergency. A new Gold Ambulance Simulator from Simulator Solutions gives students the chance to train in an environment that looks and feels like the back of an ambulance.

The simulator includes a patient care area with the same layout students will see on the job. It even moves and vibrates to recreate the feeling of riding in an ambulance. That motion adds another level of realism, helping students learn how to care for patients while the vehicle is in motion.

"It kind of gets your heart pumping a little bit," said Larenze Plum, a student in the EMS and Paramedic programs. "Our instructors have done a really good job already to make everything feel as real as possible… this adds another aspect of realism to it."

Students use the simulator to practice many types of emergency calls, from routine patient assessments to life-threatening situations like cardiac arrest and serious injuries. They work together as a team, make treatment decisions, and communicate with each other while caring for patients.

"By training in a realistic, high-pressure environment, students can build confidence, refine their clinical skills, and learn how to operate effectively as a team before ever stepping onto an actual ambulance," Hamilton said.

After each training scenario, instructors review what happened with students. They talk about what went well, what could be improved, and how to make better decisions during the next scenario. This feedback helps students build both their skills and their confidence.

For students, the realistic experience makes a big difference.

"I think it makes you really prepared," said EMS student Taylor Costanzo. "You have to get used to the stress of what you're doing while having people watch you, because you're going to have families and bystanders watching you in the real world. The simulations are very important to honing the hands-on skills that are 100% necessary to become proficient in this job."

The simulator also teaches an important lesson: emergency medical care is a team effort. Students practice working together, taking on different roles, and communicating clearly under pressure. These are the same skills they will use every day as EMTs and paramedics.

For Hawkeye students, the new simulator is more than a piece of equipment. It's a chance to practice, learn from mistakes, and gain confidence in a safe setting. By the time they answer their first emergency call, they'll be better prepared to provide the care their patients need.