As part of our preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games, our frontline staff are being given special
training. This ranges from a general introduction to the Games and
our role within it, to treating patients with a range of
disabilities.
When does the training start?
The training of our clinical staff started last year and is now
being rolled out to all staff who will be working during the Games.
The training of staff from other ambulance services, who will be
working with us during the Games, has also started.
What training are we giving our staff?
Clinical staff are receiving four days of classroom-based
training. This includes event management, disability awareness and
working with other agencies. A further two days of training will be
given around what to do in the event of a major incidents,
attending test events and getting to know the park, venues and
surrounding areas.
Disability training
Specific disability awareness training includes caring for
patients with visual and hearing impairments, people with learning
disabilities and also learning about using a wheelchair.
Communication booklet
Staff are being given communication booklets, featuring
pictures, to help them to interact with patients who may have
learning disabilities, don’t speak English as a first language, or
have difficulties communicating.
Treating patients with visual impairments
As part of disability awareness training, ambulance staff are
learning how to treat and care for patients with visual
impairments, which involves putting on special glasses so they can
experience what having different visual impairments is like.
Sign language training
Basic sign language is being taught to staff who will be working
during the Games so they are able to communicate with patients with
hearing impairments who use sign language.