Traditional disaster response type simulations have been created using paper based or tabletop simulation exercises.

While this can create an immersive simulation, single path paper-based scenarios severely limit the fidelity of the simulation – there is usually only one outcome.

Adacel’s VAST Incident Command & Control simulator is designed to assist in modeling, validating and training personnel in disaster response procedures and command decision processes. The system enables the effective creation of real world incident models. These models are used to assist in training and validating command decision processes.

VAST enables the creation of complex multi-path storylines where outcomes are not fixed, where previous decisions impact future events, and where procrastination can lead to disaster. The system provides a full framework for both creating and running real world event simulations.

VAST enables senior managers and policy makers to practice the execution of high level planned responses in areas such as logistics; policy; inter-agency liaison and resource management. Complex scenarios can be mapped to appropriate regulations and standards, such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

The new multi-player version of VAST IC2 enables multiple individuals from different agencies to train and operate in a single coordinated exercise.

VAST is an ideal tool for validating the effectiveness of emergency response plans in areas such as:

Pre-planning – Draft plans can be put to the test against a simulated disaster.
Resource management – Real-time tracking during a scenario can monitor usage of various resources for
after action analysis.
Team building – Teams can be created which represent different agencies. Each team is then responsible
for responding to its own tasks, even as their decisions impact everyone.
Complexity recognition – After-action review quickly pinpoints where things started to go awry.
Situational awareness – Every decision affects the scenario as it unfolds.

Optional VAST IC2 Components

VAST has a number of optional components, which enhance the fidelity of the simulator. These include:

Emergency Dispatch Simulator – The VAST Emergency Dispatch Simulator (EDS) utilizes the latest in
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology to provide a software only communications solution.
VAST IC2 Multiplayer – The multiplayer option enables a VAST scenario to be created and run in which
multiple participants can interact within a common scenario. Each user will assume a different role(s).
This provides a realistic way to simulate the interaction and coordination of multiple agencies and departments.
FireSTATE – a real-time 3D system which provides a dynamic visual representation of a fire’s progression.
Since it’s a real-time 3d system they fire’s state will change dynamically depending upon the choices made
by the scenario’s participants