VSTEP launches next-generation safety trainer Response Simulator

VSTEP has released Response Simulator (RS), an advanced virtual training platform. The new system will provide even more benefits to users by further expanding the safety training capabilities.

RS builds on VSTEP’s previous incident command simulator RescueSim by setting and enabling a much wider range of training options. The platform will not only accommodate incident command training as a system, but can also be expanded to many more types of training scenarios. These innovations will enable more users to benefit from the advantages of virtual training.

The current landscape, in which safety and security professionals work, demands newer, more stringent safety training procedures. To ensure that they are prepared to face potentially dangerous situations, they must obtain the necessary knowledge for correct procedural handling. This is typically done through practical training, which remains costly and prone to accidents. RS eliminates these problems and allows users to train their skills in an advanced virtual environment.

“Throughout the development process of RS, we looked at how each improvement can create the most positive impact. This paved the way for the introduction of benefits that are tailored towards users’ needs. Processing this valuable input was a critical aspect to improving how our users experience the virtual trainer. This is a focus we will continue to build on in the future,” mentions the UX design team at VSTEP.

The benefits of the virtual training platform new content and modules, a user-centric design, enhanced capability and capacity, and high visual fidelity.

RS uses a three-step approach to ensuring effective training: create, train and debrief.

“By following this approach, our trainees can gain the most from what the platform has to offer. RS is relevant to a wide range of industries and organizations such as fire and police departments, first responder organizations, offshore vessels, naval and coast guard, ports and much more. Despite the high number of potential users, training requirements can always be met through the use of content packages (aviation, industrial and maritime). Each package contains objects, vehicles and characters that can accommodate your sector specific needs,” mentions Tije Vos, sales manager of Response Simulator. “If necessary, custom content can also be created. This will allow a much deeper training experience as trainees are placed in situations that they are familiar with.”

The RS platform accommodates several training systems that can fulfill various training needs. One of these systems is RS Incident Command. This ready-to-use system was designed especially for emergency responders who encounter risky and unpredictable situations on a daily basis. RS Incident Command equips users with a tool that enables the recreation of emergency situations in which response strategies can be practiced in a cost-effective, risk-free and timely manner.

Key benefits of the RS Incident Command include training of different roles and responsibilities during incidents, building command and control skills, and training and assessing communication.

Another system within the platform is the RS Creator, which lets users build detailed incidents and evolve them into scenarios. Key benefits of the RS Creator include an intuitive instructor interface, the RS World environment, RS content library, and configurable objects.