Citation

Wilkerson W, Avstreih D, Gruppen L, Beier KP, Woolliscroft J. Acad. Emerg. Med. 2008; 15(11): 1152-1159.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. wwilk@umich.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00223.x

PMID

18976333

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A descriptive study was performed to better understand the possible utility of immersive virtual reality simulation for training first responders in a mass casualty event. METHODS: Utilizing a virtual reality cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE) and high-fidelity human patient simulator (HPS), a group of experts modeled a sports stadium that experienced a terrorist explosion during a football game. Avatars (virtual patients) were developed by expert consensus that demonstrated a spectrum of injuries ranging from death to minor lacerations. A group of paramedics was assessed by observation for decisions made and action taken. A critical action checklist was created and used for direct observation and viewing videotaped recordings. RESULTS: Of the 12 participants, only 35.7% identified the type of incident they encountered. None identified a secondary device that was easily visible. All participants were enthusiastic about the simulation and provided valuable comments and insights. CONCLUSIONS: Learner feedback and expert performance review suggests that immersive training in a virtual environment has the potential to be a powerful tool to train first responders for high-acuity, low-frequency events, such as a terrorist attack.

Language: en