There are several 3D simulation tools on the market that can be used for the training of soldiers, police officers or paramedical staff. While they are capable of rendering a convincing illusion of the real world, they all share one feature: complex processes like crowd behaviour or the spreading of fire and smoke are not (or only to a very limited degree) based on realistic, physical models and instead modelled ‘by hand’ to create a mere impression of realism. For a tool that is meant to prepare first responders for real-life disasters, this is a serious short-coming as their training is reliant not upon hard evidence but ultimately on an artist’s view of reality. AUGGMED addresses this issue by linking a 3D games engine to a state-of-the-art evacuation modelling tool (EXODUS), which in turn is using powerful fire simulation software (SMARTFIRE) to realistically model the evolution of a disaster scenario. Likewise, the effects of explosions (in particular the number of casualties, their spatial distribution and the severity of their injuries) is based on the best available evidence, thus providing users with the confidence that the rendered scenarios are as close to reality as is currently possible. To the best of the consortium's knowledge, no other currently available training system provides this functionality.
Moreover, the AUGGMED serious game allows players to directly interact with crowd agents via hand gestures or spoken commands, thus allowing them to take control of a situation in a way that closely resembles a real-life scenario. In particular, players can interact with other players which enhances team work and/or collaboration with members of other organisations. The immersion of players into this type of realistically simulated environment will allow them to train their decision making skills and to experience (to a certain degree) emotional reactions that are inextricably linked to crisis scenarios.
In addition, AUGGMED makes use of a range of external devices (like VR headsets and thermal/haptic feedback vests) to enhance the experience of immersion for the players.
The AUGGMED serious game was developed in three stages: the first mode provides basic VR (in the form of a conventional desktop computer game), whereas the second and third mode add head-mounted devices and haptic vests to provide a fully immersive VR and/or AR environment.
Each of the three prototypes was tested in a Pilot demonstrator which included a wide range of potential end users: police firearms officers, railway staff, paramedics, coast guard and port police. The feedback received from the end users was very positive; participants in the pilots appreciated the realism of the simulation and considered the AUGGMED system to be a useful potential addition to their training regime.
Moreover, the AUGGMED consortium has undertaken a study comparing the effects of consolidation training in VR or in live role-plays. This study included 80 trainee police officers who acted out a number of suspicious object scenarios (either in VR or in a live role-play or a combination of the two). The analysis of the results is ongoing and will continue past the end of the project; the aim is to quantify the effects of consolidation training in VR and to investigate to which degree this approach can be a viable alternative to live role-play in first responder training.
