Seminole County Fire Department Deploys Mobile Simulation Lab to Provide Enhanced On-Site EMS Training and Education for Crews
SEMINOLE COUNTY, FL—The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) recently began fielding a mobile simulation lab to provide department crews with enhanced in-depth training and re-certification opportunities right at their fire stations.
The lab, converted from a retired rescue chassis, leverages simulation and monitoring technology to provide firefighters with hands-on training opportunities beyond what they might receive in a traditional classroom setting. The back of the lab is laid out as an in-service rescue unit, where crews can practice lifesaving techniques on one of three advanced EMS manikins while training staff watch from the cab via six embedded cameras. Instructors can also provide live voice feedback to crews in the lab space and record footage from the lab’s cameras for future training purposes.
The mobile simulation lab’s in-chassis vehicular nature allows it to be deployed at individual fire stations throughout the county, giving crews the opportunity to take advantage of its enhanced training capabilities without having to incur extended out-of-service periods for off-site training at Seminole County’s Training Center in Longwood. The department plans to train a cadre of instructors on each shift how to operate the lab, allowing it to be utilized as a teaching platform at any time.
“Last year alone, our crews conducted nearly 17,000 hours of EMS training,” said SCFD Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “EMS training is extremely important as many of our calls are medical related. This Mobile Simulation Lab unit uses technology to provide our crews with a robust platform for training and education beyond our existing capabilities, in a flexible package that allows us to maximize its benefit while minimizing potential strains on our resources.”
About the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD): Founded in 1974, the Seminole County Fire Department has proudly served a countywide population in Seminole County, Florida of nearly a half-million residents with 20 fire stations. SCFD is ISO Class 1 rated, an Internationally Accredited Agency with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and CAAS Accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. SCFD provides emergency services to the unincorporated areas of the County and in the Cities of Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, and Casselberry. The Department has first response agreements in place with the Cities of Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, and Oviedo. Follow SCFD on social on Facebook (@SCFD.1974), Instagram (@seminolecountyfd) and Twitter/X (@SCFDPIO). For more information, visit seminolecountyfl.gov/firedepartment.
