US Fire Department Launches VR Training Programme
For the purpose of providing its paramedics and firemen with virtual reality training, the Clackamas Fire District has committed $50,000.
The money was used to buy virtual reality (VR) offerings developed by EmergiSim, an Australia-based brand. On the other hand, headsets that sell for $199 on Amazon are much less costly.
In order to help first responders prepare for real-world scenarios, an article on FireRescue1, an online resource for firemen, explained how the software may imitate a range of high-stress scenarios, such as shootings, protests, and even terrorist attacks.
Rick Huffman, Division Chief of EMS at Clackamas Fire District #1, shared his thoughts on the recently introduced VR training programme: The ability for the department to instruct a large number of victims is the primary advantage of this kind of training. They don’t do it very often. Empirical cognitive research supports virtual reality. They seem to be present in one’s imagination.
Huffman goes on, saying that the experience serves as a preparation and immunisation against the strain of the real thing.
According to Huffman, watching a standard movie doesn’t have the same learning impact as virtual reality (VR), and students find these immersive experiences much more engaging than just sitting through lectures and taking notes.
According to him, VR training solutions are the most appealing choice since they have been shown to be successful.
For example, a 2021 study by Chinese researchers at Nanjing Medical University found that students who trained using virtual reality (VR) fared better on examinations and other tasks than those who employed traditional learning techniques.
First responders at the Clackamas Fire District are said to have shown their ability to retain a substantial quantity of information pertinent to their area of work while using the VR system.
Clackamas Fire District is the second fire agency in the nation to employ EnergiSim’s VR programming.
Although Oklahoma’s Emergency Medical Services Authority was the first to deploy it, it seems that the technology had inconsistent results on them, including the possibility of nausea and vertigo. They began to use it in 2021.
According to an agency spokesman, the medical organisation is still using the software, but it is still in the testing phase because of organisational changes.
Huffman said that he would let any employee who is uncomfortable with virtual reality to continue their training using conventional video formats.
If everything goes as planned, Fire Chief Huffman hopes to begin the training programme by the end of July. He intends to eventually implement it throughout all 25 stations in the department.
John Turner, MD, FACEP, Associate Medical Director for EMS Agencies, Clackamas County, claims that virtual reality training allows for less stressful training in situations that can otherwise be extremely stressful.
Turner said that having sirens going off and crowd noise in the headset merely makes it more realistic, confirming the show’s realism. It raises it to a higher level.
Virtual reality is becoming a standard teaching tool in all fields and industries.
In February, Nottingham University introduced a virtual reality classroom that enabled remote viewing and communication between teachers and students.
Together, the AA and AruVR worked on VR immersive learning courses last year to prepare staff members for any situation.
