There has been growing use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in disaster preparedness and response trainings and it has been increasingly recognized as one of the innovative training modalities. To introduce the use and examples of VR in disaster preparedness training, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute (HKJCDPRI) organized a one-day workshop entitled “Introduction to Use of Virtual Reality (VR) for Disaster Preparedness Training” on 31 May 2017 at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. The workshop attracted 26 participants from eight organisations.
Th workshop introduced the application and examples of VR technology for disaster preparedness training, as well as basic knowledge in XVR game-based software in simulation training. Experience showed advantages of use of VR in disaster preparedness training include enhancement of immersive realism, facilitation of instant feedback on performance, creating individualised learning experience, and provision of unlimited virtual scenarios, etc.
The workshop started with an introduction of the general use of VR in disaster education by Mr Gary Tsang, Marking & Development Director of MedSim Healthcare Education Co.,who also shared his experience in using VR technology to simulate motorsport accident and training of emergency medical helpers working for the Formula E Race held in Hong Kong last year.
Mr Gary Tsang introduced the general use of VR technology in disaster preparedness training.
Mr. Philip Ma, President of Emergency Response Assistance Society, introduced cases of use of VR technology in public education and training in Asia and Europe, including the tsunami preparedness education for the general public in Japan, the mass casualty triage training used in Europe, the Heart Bus programme to promote first aid skills in Taiwan, and the game-based simulation for professionals in Korea.
Mr Philip Ma, President of Emergency Response Assistance Society, shared a case that the VR technology was used to enhance community disaster preparedness awareness in Japan
Participants were also given the chance to try building disaster scenarios using XVR, a game-based software which was also used by the HKJCDPRI in various trainings. The software company’s Operations Manager for Asia, Mr Edwin van de Snepscheut, introduced the latest trends in using VR game-based tools for disaster preparedness training, with a highlight on trainings on resources management for leaders.
VR gamed-based software, XVR, for building high fidelity disaster simulated scenario for training purpose was introduced.
Ms Elaine Kwok, Product & Marketing Associate of MedSim Healthcare education Co, demonstrated how simulated disaster scenarios could be built using the XVR game-based software for emergency training.
Participants tried using the VR software to build disaster scenarios.
26 participants from eight orgnisations joined the workshop.