Virtual Training of Interoperability for First Responders

Project
Virtual reality training of non-technical skills : The case of interoperability for first responders

Summary
Crisis situations are complex, dynamic and unpredictable, imposing significant demands on the human information processing system and making responders vulnerable to errors. The training of first responders (police, firefighters, paramedics) is necessary to ensure that the personnel is prepared to handle such situations and possess the non-technical skills essential for effective emergency response. Virtual reality simulations provide a cost-effective platform for training personnel using real-time simulated  scenarios that are realistic in terms of events and emotional states. This research project aims to develop and validate an innovative and comprehensive immersive virtual reality training system to assess the acquisition of cognitive skills required in crisis management and emergency response. Behavioral markers will be identified and cognitive and teamwork measures will be defined to assess the acquisition of non-technical crisis management skills. Physiological and eye-tracking markers will then be identified as indicators of the learner's functional states (cognitive and affective) during crisis management. Once these markers have been established, metrics will be defined and their algorithms will be integrated within the training platform.