I bring you a weekly bite-sized chunk of the science behind helicopter human factors and CRM in practice, simplifying the complex and distilling a helicopter related study into a summary of less than 500 words.
TITLE:
Effectiveness of a new basic course incorporating a medical trainer simulator for HEMS education in Japan: A pre–post intervention study.
WHAT?
This study evaluated a newly redesigned training course for Japan’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, which integrated preparatory e-learning, scenario-based group discussions, and immersive training using a medical trainer helicopter simulator with full-scale helicopter fuselage. The sim replicates a realistic environment to provide immersive training for medical professionals in air ambulance scenarios. The course aimed to strengthen both technical and non-technical skills, and patient management during abnormal and emergency situations.
WHERE?
Japanese Society for Aeromedical Services.
WHEN?
Published 2025.
WHY?
After the rapid expansion of Japan’s HEMS network and a fatal accident in 2015, there has been increased emphasis on improving safety culture, standardising training, and strengthening CRM. The redesigned course aims to move beyond traditional classroom teaching by embedding realistic scenarios for teams to practise coordination, decision-making, and emergency responses under operational conditions.
HOW?
Simulator scenarios replicated realistic in-flight emergencies, equipment failures, patient care challenges, and evacuation procedures, supported by reproducing authentic helicopter noise, vibration, and communications. Statistical analysis assessed changes in self-reported competence, while participants also evaluated simulator realism and overall training value.
FINDINGS:
Significant improvements were reported across all skill areas following the course. After training, >90% of participants rated themselves highly across all competencies.
Participants with operational HEMS experience rated the simulator as highly realistic, particularly for its enclosed environment and communication system. Scenario realism was highlighted as a key strength, helping participants visualise real missions and practise teamwork under pressure. Overall satisfaction with the scenario-based course design exceeded 95%.
SO WHAT?
The findings support evidence that scenario-based training combined with immersive simulation is highly effective for developing both CRM and technical skills. Rather than focusing solely on knowledge transfer, the course allowed multidisciplinary crews to practice real operational challenges, enhancing communication, coordination, and decision-making in realistic contexts.
For trainers, the study reinforces the importance of designing training around realistic scenarios that mirror actual threats and errors, rather than relying only on classroom or e-learning. It also demonstrates that relatively low-cost simulators can deliver high-value learning experiences when paired with well-structured scenarios and effective facilitation.
REFERENCE:
Omori, K., Takahashi, J., Watanabe, N., Iwasaki, H., Mineyama, S., Sakata, K., Yamada, K., Ichikawa, S., Takamatsu, M., Ogino, R., & Hayakawa, T. (2025). Effectiveness of a new basic course incorporating medical trainer simulator for HEMS education in Japan: A pre–post intervention study. BMC Medical Education, 25, 477. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07047-4
competentaviators.com 