Don’t worry about bird flu — video games will come to the rescue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding a series of
computer games to help prepare health workers and other first
responders facing bioterror attacks, nuclear accidents and pandemics.

Backed also by Chicago’s Department of Public Health, a University of Illinois at Chicago research team
is developing a series of games that simulate health-related
emergencies as well as biological, chemical, radiological and natural
disasters.

The new approach is expected to save money — but it can also
prepare many professionals and volunteers quickly in the event of a
health emergency, like the potential bird-flu pandemic.

"These games let people train on their own schedules," said Eric
Holdeman, an expert in disaster relief and director of Washington
state’s King County Office of Emergency Management. "And it gets us
away from death by PowerPoint in the typical classroom environment.
It’s also cost-effective."

The first game, which took three months to develop, trains health
workers to respond to an anthrax outbreak. A massive flu pandemic
simulation is in the works.

Players learn how to set up MASH sites, evaluate patients and
dispense drugs. They also are trained to distribute medications to
health-care sites and notify the public, instructing people on what to
do — without instilling panic.

Throughout the game, trainees’ responses are scored for speed and appropriateness.

The game also helps health workers and volunteers cross-train for
more than one job. Crisis teams are typically understaffed. The scoring
helps players determine what they are good at and what skills they need
to sharpen.

By Abby Christopher

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