Chattahoochee Valley Community College’s (CVCC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program will host several local firefighter and EMS agencies throughout the area this week for a special training. The College is the site for the Alabama Fire College’s Emergency Vehicle Simulator. “The goal of the Emergency Vehicle Driver Simulation Trainer is to prepare EMTs and firefighters for a number of hazards they may encounter while operating an ambulance or fire truck,” said Mark Boisclair, CVCC Lead EMS Instructor. “It focuses on safe driving techniques to protect the crews and public from accidents.”

According to Boisclair, the training takes place inside an enclosed 24-foot trailer on loan to CVCC this week (Monday, March 3 – Friday, March 7) from the Alabama Fire College. The trailer was purchased through a partnership with the Fort Payne Fire Department, which secured funds through a FEMA grant.

CVCC students and local firefighters and EMS workers will rotate throughout the simulator all week long from about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST (Some organizations are scheduled in the late evening hours as well). Continuing education hours are awarded which helps both paid and volunteer staff. The training will also satisfy local department’s annual defensive driving training. While each student is behind the wheel, the simulator operator can program different scenarios to pop up that will test the driver’s reaction. Most scenarios included large vehicles blocking his view and a pedestrian stepping out in front of the mock truck.

The trailer is making appearances at various counties throughout the state. It has been about five years since it has been in Phenix City area.