Usually carried out with sandbag dummies or mannequins, our clinicians are testing VR triage simulation to virtually practice checking respiratory rates, taking pulses, applying dressings and much more.

The project stems from HART Paramedic Steven Thompson who is undertaking his Master of Science Degree in Emergency Medicine and Resuscitation with Queen Mary University in London. He is in the last two months of this three-year course, which involves completing a dissertation / scientific project.

Steven says: ““Six months ago, I approached a virtual reality specialist company based in Manchester called V360 Group with an idea of a mass casualty triage simulation. I wanted to compare the use of sand mannequins versus virtual reality casualties so that the clinician can feel heart rates, apply direct pressure, open airways and much more through simulation.

“It is hoped that the simulation can bring a new approach to the triage training process of our HART paramedics. Once the study is complete, it could be rolled out to all clinicians who would potentially have to triage patients in a mass casualty incident.

Steven’s HART colleagues have supported his project and enjoyed testing it out for his study.

HART Paramedic Osian Parry says: “It is incredible how immersive VR software is. It could be a gamechanger in training for mass-casualty triage. Being able to assess a patient, visualising their condition and injuries, hear audible prompts and navigate through the realistic virtual environment gets you lost in the VR world, pushing you as a clinician while stimulating all your senses.”

HART Paramedic Hannah Beaumont says: “I am extremely impressed by the technology, it’s incredible – you get the sense of working under pressure at a mass casualty incident. The attention to detail Steven has inputted to match our equipment is amazing.’

Good luck with your Master’s Steven.