Imperial Valley College unveils new ambulance simulator

A new ambulance simulator at Imperial Valley College is preparing the next wave of first responders from the Imperial Valley.

Robert Cruz, a veteran and student at Imperial Valley College’s Emergency Medical Services program, said it’s been his dream to be a first responder.

“Before this, I was in the Marine Corps and I love helping people out. So what better way than being an EMT and a firefighter,” Cruz said.

The ambulance simulator will give Cruz and his classmates the hands-on experience.

“We’re able to all practice and get together and work as a team. How it is in the real world,” said Cruz.

The simulator is an exact size replica.

Cuz said, “It’s usually two to three people in the back in the ambulance. So you want to have everything dialed in. Know where your spot’s going to be. So no one’s crashing into each other. And everyone knows what to do.”

Emergency Medical Services Program Director Steven Holt hope this will help students become more efficient when responding to emergencies.

“We really want our students to have this real experience and also the people when you call 911. You expect people that are going to show up and know that they’re doing and I think this is a big part of that,” said Holt.

Cameras inside the simulator allow students to see how they behave in scenarios and how they can improve.

Dean of Health and Public Safety Robert Price said, “As the students are working on patients the instructor is able to see the reaction in real time. If they’re taking too much to respond to patient’s needs and also to give them advice while they’re in there. Without the instructor being right over their shoulder.”

IVC officials said the simulator and their training program is part of their goal of building a public safety regional training center.