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High fidelity simulation with the use of 360-degree virtual reality for aeromedical training in search and rescue

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High fidelity simulation with the use of 360-degree virtual reality for aeromedical training in search and rescue

(The link to the abstract is under "To Know More" on the right)

Volume 32, Issue S1 (Abstracts of Scientific Papers-WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2017) April 2017, p. S219

Authors: Benny Cheng Chun-Pong1, Carmen Lam1, Tiffany Yeung2, Eva C.C. Lam2

 

The Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists
2 Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute, Hong Kong Academic of Medicine, Hong Kong

 

Study / Objective

Recent experience has demonstrated the benefits of virtual and hybrid simulation training. A successful simulation model should provide customized environments to facilitate skill training and enhance complex contextual learning especially for disaster scenarios, which may be infrequently met by an individual.

 

Background

The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong is responsible for providing 24/7 emergency helicopter and fixed-wing flying support. The GSF and the Hong Kong College of Anaesthesiologists collaborated to organize the Air Crew Resuscitation Simulation Refresher Course for the Aircrew Officers to enhance their medical skills for search and rescue missions. In order to enhance learning outcomes, this training made use of high fidelity simulation search and rescue scenarios.

 

Methods

The training includes topics such as triage process, pre-hospital and helicopter resuscitation in trauma, amongst other emergency clinical skills. With the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute, VR aeromedical incidents films were produced, which will be displayed using 360 degree goggles and a dome-shaped projection platform. To enhance fidelity of the simulation, sound effects and a mock-up cockpit will be produced. The hybrid training will be established by requiring the participants to carry out first aid and resuscitation procedures on mannequins. A self-administered questionnaire will be distributed to participants for process evaluation.

 

Results

Regular trainings will be carried throughout two years, reaching a total of 50 participants, with the first training on the 3rd December 2016. Results of the process evaluation will be ready after data collection and analysis.  

 

Conclusion

It is anticipated that the use of VR in search and rescue training will add a more realistic aspect to this area of training, and allow for consistency in trainings for the ease of evaluation, yet keeping the training in a safe environment and at a low-cost.

 

References

  1. Goolsby, CA; Goodwin, TL; Vest, RM. (2014). Hybrid simulation improves medical student procedural confidence during EM clerkship. Mil Med. 2014 Nov: 179(11):1223-7. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00072.
  2. Hsu EB, Li Y, Bayram JD, Levinson D, Yang S, Monahan C. (2013). State of Virtual Reality Based Disaster Preparedness and Response Training. PLOS Currents Disasters. 2013 Apr 24 . Edition 1. doi: 10.1371/currents.dis.1ea2b2e71237d5337fa53982a38b2aff.