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Company hopes bumpy ride translates to smooth sailing
By Dawn Cobb
Business Editor
Denton Record Chronicle

A local ambulance dealership owner created a new training ambulance designed to give emergency medical students a bumpy ride into real life. The ambulance simulator treats students to a rocky ride as they learn how to treat patients en route to hospitals, said Mike Preston of Rescue Safety Products in Denton.

"It gives people an awakening of real life," said Mr. Preston, who designed the training ambulance.

The simulator is the first training vehicle of its kind for paramedics, said Bob Sherard, director of emergency medical services training at Collin County Community College.

"I actually went out and solicited bids for a complete ambulance unit. The cost was prohibitive," he said. "We were looking at $80,000 for an ambulance."

Even if the medical services director had bought a real ambulance, only a few of the 100 students taking his course each semester would be able to use it at one time.

The ambulance simulator is outfitted with all of the same gear and supplies as a real ambulance. One wall, however, has a large window where students can gather outside to watch while others train. An instructor can sit on the outside and pull leavers to a hydraulic system, simulating a bumpy road or a sharp corner. A flip of the switch adds sirens and other road sounds to create a realistic effect.

The simulator, which is built with wheels and trailer pull, also has its own generator and two-way communications for students working inside or standing outside.

"The more I heard about it, I realized it would be perfect for our needs," Mr. Sherard said. "It would be better than having a genuine ambulance.

"We're able to teach large groups of students in complete safety."

Mr. Preston and Art Seely, partners of Rescue Safety Products, also have designed three ambulance models for training inside the classroom.

"I saw the need for something like this," Mr. Preston said. "I create ideas."

Andy Deskins builds the ambulance models and simulator at a fabrication shop in Springtown. The company already has sold several, including the one to Collin County Community College and another in Minnesota, Mr. Preston said.

Mr. Preston said he sees another possible buyer for the simulators: fire departments that have to re-certify their paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

The ambulance simulators also could be used at fairs and other events for show-and-tell as well as a first-aid station, Mr. Sherard added.

Regardless of the use, Mr. Sherard said the new simulator will help his teaching substantially.

"The kind of sad thing about the paramedic field is students are expected to be on top of their game fresh out of school," he said. "This will allow us to do a better job of simulating actual field conditions for them."