Ole is a serial entrepreneur and a veteran in simulator technology with nearly 30 years of experience in leading and developing companies from the ground up. He built First Interactive to become a world leader in 3D simulation in the offshore industry. After selling the company to Aker Solutions, he became Senior Vice President at Aker Solutions. Since then, he has moved into new entrepreneurial projects, now focusing mainly on Sklls. Ole holds an MBA from the University of Warwick.
Presentation Title and Overview: Strengthening Operator Resilience through Simulation Training
Emergency centers face critical challenges due to understaffing and high turnover, with 82% of 911 centers in the USA reporting understaffing primarily due to stress and burnout (NENA, 2023). The high level of stress is largely due to a lack of adequate training.
To tackle these issues, Sklls has developed a training simulator utilizing conversation AI where call-operators can master resilience skills through stress inoculation training and experiential learning in a controlled and safe learning environment. Through realistic emergency call simulation scenarios, the tool provides a realistic, immersive environment where emergency operators can learn and practice critical conversational skills and procedural drills. Training focuses on high-stress scenarios such as cardiac arrests, traffic accidents, domestic violence incidents, active shooter situations etc.
Impact and Testimonials:
- Lena Heimvik, Head of Department at Prehospital Clinic Helse Stavanger, emphasizes that the HiSklls simulator equips operators with tools to manage stress and reduce burnout, maintaining high performance standards.
- Jim Marshall, CEO at 911 Training Institute, highlights that simulation training helps operators achieve resilience-driven excellence through immersive practice.
Scientific Support: Research shows that equipping operators with relevant conversational tools and practicing in a safe environment enhances resilience more effectively than post-traumatic interventions (InTime, AEDR Journal).
Simulation training is a robust solution to stress and burnout, improving operators’ performance under pressure, mental well-being, and operational retention rates.