A collaboration between the University of Winchester and the University of Portsmouth is changing the way emergency response training is done. Led by Senior Lecturer Selina Robinson, the team is creating affordable virtual reality (VR) systems that simulate high-stress situations faced by first responders.
Traditional training scenarios have not adequately prepared emergency services for unpredictable challenges. These scenarios lack intensity and realism, which hinders crisis preparedness. Recognizing this, the team from Winchester is using VR technology to create immersive training experiences that accurately replicate real-life crises.
Through collaboration with police cohorts, the team is refining their VR simulations for training and teaching purposes. This allows first responders to practice decision-making in simulated crisis situations, developing quick-thinking and effective response skills. Ultimately, this can reduce errors in real-life situations, protecting the public and emergency personnel.
The team’s main objective is to make VR technology more accessible and affordable. Team member Brandon, alongside Selina, has been working on portable VR systems that can be easily used on a desktop. By prioritizing affordability, their goal is to ensure that VR training is available to emergency services across the board.
The potential impact of VR technology on crisis response training goes beyond cost considerations. VR has proven effective in facilitating the acquisition of practical knowledge for real-world situations. By creating scenarios that evoke the same emotional response as actual crises, the team aims to provide first responders with a safe environment to develop resilience and decision-making skills.
In addition to practical applications, the team is also studying the psychological aspects of VR technology. They aim to understand how VR can enhance the cognitive and emotional preparation of first responders, opening up further possibilities for its use in crisis management.
The project originated from Selina’s work with the merchant maritime sector. Recognizing the need for realistic training in high-pressure situations, Selina and her team are now applying their expertise to emergency response. Their collaboration with academics from the University of Portsmouth has propelled this VR training system forward.
With their affordable VR systems, the team believes their designs are just as effective as more expensive options on the market. By making VR training accessible, they are empowering emergency services in their mission to protect and serve. The potential to reduce decision inertia, a common challenge faced by first responders in real-life crises, is a significant step towards prompt and efficient resource deployment.
As the team continues to improve their VR training simulations, the possibilities for enhanced emergency response training become clearer. Realistic simulations and immersive experiences have the potential to transform crisis preparedness, equipping first responders with the skills and resilience needed in life-or-death situations.
The journey to revolutionizing emergency response training with affordable VR systems is ongoing. With further research and innovative developments on the horizon, the impact on the safety and effectiveness of our emergency services will undoubtedly be significant. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of academics like Selina Robinson and her team, the future of crisis management is being reshaped through virtual reality simulations.
