The HEAT (Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer) increases the situational awareness of vehicle rollover by permitting the instructor to observe driver performance and reaction to emergency conditions without requiring the use of an actual vehicle. The device reinforces the importance of seat positioning, wearing seatbelts, demonstrating the feeling of being disoriented and the actual effort required to execute rollover procedures. The trainer allows individuals and crews to rehearse and physically execute the necessary steps required to survive a vehicle rollover.
The seatbelt tightened across the driver’s body-armor clad chest and locked with an audible click. When the vehicle was fully overturned, the passengers held themselves up, only letting their body weight sag slightly against their restraints as blood rushed to their heads. At once, the passengers hastily unhooked their safety belts, allowing their bodies to fall onto the Humvee’s roof. After unlatching the doors, they pulled themselves out of the vehicle and quickly formed a protective perimeter around the overturned vehicle.
The trainer allows units to rehearse under controlled conditions and physically execute steps required to survive a rollover, allowing occupants to gain experience in how to orient themselves, collect any injured individuals and successfully exit the overturned vehicle. The HEAT trainer is designed to train Service members on the effects of a vehicle rollover and allows them to conduct drills that will provide the skill and ability to react properly during emergency egress situations.
The trainer is one of many simulators implemented across the Department of Defense to prepare military members for the tests of real-life emergency situations while allowing them to experience realistic combat situations without any of the dangers. Conducting the training under controlled conditions will allow vehicle occupants to gain experience in the proper egress procedures. This training is necessary for Soldiers to achieve self-control and overcome the natural fear and panic following the catastrophic event which caused the vehicle rollover event.
