Exploring Simulation-Based Virtual Reality as a Mock-Up Tool to Support the Design of First Responders Training

Abstract

Intervention by First Responders (FRs) is essential in disaster response, and their preparation greatly benefits from continuous updates. However, the design of effective training experiences targeted to FRs can be very demanding from the viewpoint of a Training Provisioner (TP). Virtual Reality (VR) may have a key role to play in enhancing and facilitating this task. In fact, VR technology has already proven to be very helpful in the field of emergency training, as well as its use as a powerful design and mock-up tool in many other contexts. In this work, the application of VR as a mock-up tool supporting TPs in the arrangement and validation of a training experience, either real or virtual, is explored. In particular, a case study is considered concerning the training of an FR for hydro-geological risks. Within this context, the proposed approach is compared against dramaturgy prototyping, a method commonly used for the design of experiential courses. Results indicate that the adoption of a VR-based mock-up tool (VRMT) can provide TPs with good insights on the arrangement of the training and precious indications on how to actually map this information onto real-world exercises.

Immersive virtual reality and passive haptic interfaces to improve procedural learning in a formal training course for first responders

“…The use of VR technology as a training tool for first responder operators has been widely studied both in past and recent literature (Louka and Balducelli 2001;St Julien and Shaw 2003;Lu et al 2020;Haskins et al 2020;Corelli et al 2020;Pratticò et al 2021). In particular, firefighting operations, which are specifically addressed by the present paper, have been frequently considered in previous work (Tate et al 1997;Backlund et al 2007;Wheeler et al 2021).…”

“…One of the difficulties faced in the design of VR-based training experiences for first responders is represented by the need to reproduce frequent operators' interactions with specific equipment in the virtual environment. The simplest way to handle this need is to create digital replicas of the required tools, and let the users manage them using the hand controllers that are commonly bundled with consumer VR systems (Lamberti et al 2021;Pratticò et al 2021). Although these virtual reconstructions might reach particularly high levels of visual realism, they lack physical attributes of the original equipment, which may be problematic for an accurate simulation of the real-world counterparts (Suhail et al 2019).…”

Virtual Reality Videos for Delivery of Extension Educational Materials on Manure and Mortality Management: A Pilot-Study

“…MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions, or products referred to in the content. 2 communication, training, and education by providing immersive learning experiences that simulate a natural environment and daily life working scenarios for medical and first respondent personnel [9][10][11][12]. Virtual reality has been used more frequently in formal settings, that is, in traditional education programs, where students typically gather in a standard room to participate in lessons [13].…”