Accident; analysis and prevention
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluating the effects of a simulator-based training on knowledge, attitudes and driving profiles of German ambulance drivers.
Accident risk is increased for emergency responders driving with warning lights and sirens compared to other road users' driving. Currently no standards for education of ambulance drivers exist. Research shows that high order understanding trainings focusing on insight to avoid critical driving situations might be more helpful than trainings focusing on car handling. The present controlled intervention study evaluates a one-day simulator-based high order training program specifically designed for ambulance drivers. ⋯ The simulator-based training for paramedics has small but notable effects on drivers' knowledge, attitudes and real driving behavior. Although only very few measured variables showed positive training effects, no negative training effects were found. Speed was reduced in the long term which underlines the importance of such a training. More research is needed to determine effects on different types of participants and to elicit framework conditions for training integration in formal education.