Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung KL(1), Choi YP(2), Chong YL(1), Lau K C(1), Leung YY(1), Siu YCA (1), Wan KA (1), Ching CH(1), Chan CC (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Accident and Emergency Training Centre, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
(2)Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Disaster preparedness training
Keyword 2: :
simulation training
Keyword 3: :
medical control officer training
Keyword 4: :
COC A&E training
Keyword 5: :
Accident and Emergency Training Centre
Keyword 6: :
Innovative training
Introduction :
The Medical Control Officer (MCO) course with table top exercises, initially ran from 2013 to 2018 by COC A&E, Department of Infection, Emergency & Contingency (IEC), and Accident & Emergency Training Centre (AETC). In 2024, it was revamped and relaunched at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) by introducing real and virtual simulation. MCOs act as site commanders and liaisons between the Hospital Authority (HA) and emergency agencies during disasters. Due to disaster unpredictability and limited on-site experience among emergency doctors, virtual simulation training is effective and efficient.
Objectives :
The virtual simulation aims to replicate real-disaster scenario in a controlled digital environment, allowing emergency doctors to •Coordinate medical responses on-site effectively.
•Act as site commanders managing complex disaster scenes.
•Liaise efficiently with key agencies.
Methodology :
The course combines two virtual simulations and one real simulation, followed by debriefing to reinforce learning.
Participants rotate through: Virtual Simulations: Two scenarios—a blast injury and a mass casualty in motor vehicle collision, each involving 30–60 casualties. Using a 3D virtual images software platform, participant observe and respond via computer in a room. A facilitator controls scenario flow based on participant decisions and resources availability. Participants communicate with multiple agencies to transport all victims to treatment facilities. This method allows rapid, practical learning without large manpower. Real Simulation:
A live mass casualty motor vehicle collision exercise organized with FSD involves around 15 ambulanceman trainees as victims and 5 Ambulance Officers. This immersive exercise provides real-time decision-making, coordination, and inter-agency communication experience.
Result & Outcome :
Nineteen participants, 95% responded, rated the program highly averaging 5.6/6 overall. The real simulation (5.84) scored slightly higher than virtual simulations (5.53). Future Direction Virtual simulation is effective, efficient and flexible, requiring minimal resources and ideal for broad disaster preparedness training. While blended learning is optimal, virtual simulation is a practical alternative when resources are limited or training demand increases. Acknowledgement:
We thank the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine for the virtual simulation software and Fire Services Department for providing the training venue and resource.
