BERLIN CENTRE, Ohio – First responders are increasingly turning to realistic training exercises involving live actors to prepare for active shooter situations and other crises, a method proponents say is far more effective than traditional mannequin-based drills.
Shannon Kelly and kristen Filkins, both former paramedics, founded Crisis Stim to address what they saw as a critical gap in first responder training. Their company provides trained volunteers who act as victims and bystanders during simulated emergencies.
“Mannequins are nothing like human beings,” explained Filkins. “We want to make sure the training feels as realistic as possible, so when they go out and they’re doing this in their real job, it doesn’t feel like it’s their first time as they only did it on a mannequin.”
The role players, who volunteer for the exercises, are made up wiht simulated wounds and are instructed to interact with first responders – even resisting or yelling – to mimic the chaos of a real-world event. “They get to touch our skin, they get to talk to us, they get to actually see mocked-up wounds,” Filkins said, noting she applies the realistic injuries before each training session.
Kelly noted that while some male first responders initially exhibit hesitation when interacting with the female role players, they quickly become fully engaged in the training scenario.
Beyond providing a more authentic experience for first responders, the training also benefits the volunteers themselves, Kelly added. “The role players learn what they need to do and what first responders need from them.”
The exercises incorporate additional elements of realism, such as flashing lights, fog, and disorienting noises, to further prepare first responders for the stressful conditions they may encounter in a real crisis.