Last updated on Sep 5, 2024

You're overseeing emergency simulation training. How do you ensure the skills learned are retained long-term?

Ensuring the retention of skills learned during emergency simulation training is crucial for effective emergency management. As you oversee this training, it's important to recognize that the high-stress nature of real emergencies demands a workforce that can recall and apply their training instinctively. This means that the training you provide must not only be comprehensive but also ingrained deeply enough to be second nature. To achieve this, there are several strategies you can employ, from incorporating realistic scenarios to fostering a culture of continuous learning.

1 Realistic Scenarios

To ensure long-term retention of emergency management skills, start by designing realistic scenarios that closely mimic actual emergencies. This immersive approach helps participants understand the gravity of real-life situations and the importance of their roles. By confronting trainees with complex problems that require quick thinking and decisive action, you help solidify the decision-making processes and operational procedures they'll need in actual emergencies. The realism of the training also aids in creating muscle memory and emotional preparedness, which are vital in high-pressure situations.

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Clara B.

Engenheira de Segurança do Trabalho Senior l Porto 💙
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Realizando treinamentos pontuais e de reciclagem periodicamente com objetivo de atualizar as habilidades e conhecimentos. Esses treinamentos podem ser mais curtos e focados em revisar pontos chave. Realize simulações e exercícios práticos regulares para garantir que as habilidades sejam mantidas e aprimoradas.

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Saskia Dörfler

Gesundheit fördern. Netzwerke knüpfen. Wissen teilen.
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Nicht nur realistische Szenarien helfen dabei, sondern auch die Kommunikation darüber. Was hat man selbst erlebt, was haben die Azubis erlebt, was war gut und was war schlecht. Woraus können wir lernen, welche Strategien helfen

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Dean Gregory

Salvation Army EDS Logistics Specialists
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During any training practical application always helps to cement the learning. Going through scenarios, role playing or even a game to use the skills that have been taught. In order to retain after training, if the skill sets hasn't been used in a while there is certainly a chance of a loss. To prevent this or at least slow it down, mock disaster training is extremely useful. Be it a table top exercise or full scale exercise both can be very effective.

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2 Regular Refreshers

Regular refresher courses are key to maintaining a high level of readiness. These courses should revisit core concepts and introduce new ones to keep the training material relevant and top-of-mind. By scheduling these sessions periodically, you create a routine that reinforces learning. Encourage participants to actively engage with the material and to discuss their experiences and lessons learned, which can further enhance retention through collaborative learning and peer-to-peer education.

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3 Hands-On Practice

Hands-on practice is one of the most effective ways to cement emergency management skills. Encourage participants to physically perform tasks and procedures during training, as this active involvement significantly improves skill retention. The tactile experience of handling equipment and executing protocols under simulated conditions helps trainees internalize the steps they need to take during an actual emergency, reducing hesitation and improving response times when every second counts.

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Dinesh Basnet

Resident Medical Officer/AMC CAT MCQ/PTE .Eligible for limited registration with APHRA
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There's nothing more effective than hands on practise for emergency medicine in my opinion. It helps retain procedures and concepts for a long term. This is based on my personal experience .

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Saskia Dörfler

Gesundheit fördern. Netzwerke knüpfen. Wissen teilen.
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Es sollte generell über die Wichtigkeit des Übens und die des stetigen Auseinandersetzens mit den Themenbereichen hingewiesen werden.

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4 Feedback Loops

Implement feedback loops to provide participants with insights into their performance. Constructive feedback helps individuals understand what they did well and where they need improvement. This not only promotes personal growth but also ensures that the skills are refined and retained. Structured debriefing sessions after simulations can serve as a platform for this feedback, allowing for open discussion and shared learning experiences.

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Saskia Dörfler

Gesundheit fördern. Netzwerke knüpfen. Wissen teilen.
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Feedback ist immens wichtig, dann aber mit gewissen Feedback Regeln. Feedback sollte nicht nur beim Üben sondern auch in Form von Einsatznachbesprechungen erfolgen !

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5 Continuous Learning

Promote a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Encourage trainees to keep abreast of the latest developments in emergency management and to view training as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event. This mindset helps maintain a high level of engagement with the training material and ensures that skills remain sharp. Providing access to resources such as online courses, workshops, and seminars can support this culture and contribute to long-term skill retention.

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Tommy Drennan

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I know that no two emergencies are the same they might have similar aspects in common but I like to compare it to snowflakes no two are identical so emergencies training is not one and done it should be worked on at the least twice a month with a bunch of new scenarios you never know when that training can be used in a real life situation

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6 Mentorship Programs

Establish mentorship programs that pair seasoned professionals with less experienced staff. Mentors can offer guidance, share insights from real-world experiences, and provide on-the-job training that reinforces the skills learned in simulations. This one-on-one interaction not only helps to transfer knowledge but also builds confidence in trainees, ensuring that they are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're overseeing emergency simulation training. How do you ensure the skills learned are retained long-term?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Realistic Scenarios

2 Regular Refreshers

3 Hands-On Practice

4 Feedback Loops

5 Continuous Learning

6 Mentorship Programs

7 Here’s what else to consider

Emergency Management

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You're overseeing emergency simulation training. How do you ensure the skills learned are retained long-term?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Realistic Scenarios

2 Regular Refreshers

3 Hands-On Practice

4 Feedback Loops

5 Continuous Learning

6 Mentorship Programs

7 Here’s what else to consider

Emergency Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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