Response of Flight Nurses in a Simulated Helicopter Environment

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if a helicopter flight simulator could provide a useful educational platform by creating experiences similar to those encountered by actual flight nurses. Methods Flight nurse (FN) and non-FN participants completed a simulated emergency scenario in a flight simulator. Physiologic and psychological stress during the simulation was measured using heart rate and perceived stress scores. A questionnaire was then administered to assess the realism of the flight simulator. Results Subjects reported that the overall experience in the flight simulator was comparable with a real helicopter. Sounds, communications, vibrations, and movements in the simulator most approximated those of a real-life helicopter environment. Perceived stress levels of all participants increased significantly from 27 (on a 0-100 scale) before simulation to 51 at the peak of the simulation and declined thereafter to 28 ( P < .001). Perceived stress levels of FNs increased significantly from 25 before simulation to 54 at the peak of the simulation and declined thereafter to 30 ( P < .001). Perceived stress levels of non-FNs increased significantly from 31 before simulation to 49 at the peak of the simulation and declined thereafter to 25 ( P