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Vernon hosts national launch of VR training system to assist first responders

The system, created by nearby East Hartford-based VRSim, uses virtual reality to better train first responders for an array of medical incidents.

VERNON, Connecticut — The town of Vernon is proudly billing itself as the first community in the country to adapt what is called the VRNA EMS System to assist first responders.

The system, created by nearby East Hartford-based VRSim, uses virtual reality to better train firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and police officers for an array of medical incidents. 

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Matthew Wallace, the president and CEO of VRSim, said, “The goal is to give them a repetition and training tool that will both attract and entice people to the industry.”

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Michael Purcaro, the Vernon town manager and emergency management director added that the town is hoping "our first responders will be able to sharpen their skills in a safe controlled virtual environment so that when they are needed in the real world, they will be better prepared to respond.”

The software can replicate scenarios like a heart attack, treating a broken bone, and even a “stop the bleed” incident.

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After using the VRNA EMT program for the first time, Lt. Nick Bartos, a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Vernon, said, “For our patients, for the folks in our community and it’s really exciting to get to use this technology to potentially save lives.”

VRSim’s VRNA EMT technology will also be available at Vernon High School in their firefighter technology course.

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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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