State of virtual reality based disaster preparedness and response training

Area of Science:

• Disaster Management
• Educational Technology
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Traditional disaster response training methods have limitations.
• Virtual Reality (VR) presents a promising technologically-based alternative.
• VR training offers immersive and participatory experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current applications of VR-based disaster response training in the U.S.
• To identify the advantages and drawbacks of VR training platforms.
• To assess the growing acceptance and anticipated implementation of VR in disaster preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing VR training applications.
• Analysis of cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods.
• Exploration of government and academic adoption trends.

Main Results:

• VR training provides a unique realistic quality surpassing classroom or web-based formats.
• VR training offers significant cost advantages over large-scale real-life exercises.
• Growing acceptance and exploration by key U.S. agencies like DHS and CDC.

Conclusions:

• VR-based training is a valuable and increasingly accepted tool for disaster preparedness.
• Further implementation of VR, independently or combined with other formats, is expected.
• Understanding VR's advantages and challenges is crucial for effective deployment.