George Washington University's Homeland Security Policy Institute recently released ZERO HOUR: America's Medic, downloadable courseware developed to train EMS providers and first responders. The National Emergency Medical Preparedness Institute project uses game-based learning (also known as "serious gaming") to teach and practice EMS operational response to large-scale disasters.

     EMS providers playing this game will have the opportunity to learn and challenge themselves through the application of critical-thinking skills to four of the 15 National Planning Scenarios. These scenarios are part of the Department of Homeland Security's National Preparedness Guidelines, and depict various high-consequence natural and terrorist threat scenarios. Collectively they are designed to focus contingency planning and training efforts for government agencies and the private sector.

     ZERO HOUR was developed by a team of EMS operational, educational and research professionals. Prior to its release, a group of EMS professionals from across the country was assembled to review its content to ensure the final tool accurately reflects how the jobs get done on the street.

     Players of the game occupy one of the critical response roles, including Medical Branch Command, Triage and Treatment. Players must manage a number of different crises within a prescribed time limit from arrival onto the scene. How this is done, the number of lives saved versus lost, and the correct assessment of scenes, patient needs and resource management are the main benchmarks of success for the player. After each scenario, an After Action Review screen details the player's performance.

     All registration and level completion data can be stored in a database for administrators to view, analyze and process.

     The scenarios are set in five different locations. Each of the locations directly correlates to large and mid-sized urban environments. In addition to being a training tool, ZERO HOUR is also a memorial to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The game takes place in the fictional city of Saint Lillo, named in honor of FDNY SOD EMS paramedic Carlos Lillo, who was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Other streets and building names honor the other EMS providers killed on that day.

     ZERO HOUR was more than 18 months in development. Led by Executive Producer Gregg Lord, the design team included Kim Acquiviva, John Lombardi, Paul Maniscalco, Will Neil, Brandon Graham, Jenna Dee and Arnold Bogis. Subject matter experts included Geoffrey Miller, Hank Christen, Keith Monosky, Reed Smith and Christine Catlet. ZERO HOUR was built by Virtual Heroes, Inc. of Raleigh, NC, using Unreal Engine 3 on their Advanced Learning Technology (ALT) platform.

     The training tool is available for EMS providers and others at a cost of $14.95. Visit www.nationalEMSpreparedness.org to order. This project was made possible by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

Ed Mund is a captain and EMT-B for East Olympia (WA) Fire District 6, a fire-based BLS agency bordering Washington's capital city, Olympia. Contact him at ems@emedstrat.com.