A 'mixed reality' simulator concept for future Medical Emergency Response Team training

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Trauma Care
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• UK Defence Medical Service utilizes Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERTs) for pre-hospital emergency care (PHEC) of combat casualties.
• Current airborne MERT training relies on limited access to operational aircraft or ground-based mock-ups.
• Training access is constrained by competition for military assets and platforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative, cost-effective, and transportable training solution for MERT personnel.
• To enhance the readiness and effectiveness of MERTs in pre-hospital emergency care.
• To overcome limitations of traditional MERT training methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mixed reality (MR) training concept.
• Integration of real-world training objects with virtual reality (VR) reconstructions.
• Creation of an inexpensive, reconfigurable, and transportable training system.

Main Results:

• A novel mixed reality training system for MERTs has been developed.
• The system offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional training methods.
• Potential to improve individual skills, team performance, and cohesion in mission-specific contexts.

Conclusions:

• The developed mixed reality training concept provides a viable solution for MERT pre-deployment training.
• This approach addresses the limitations of accessing operational aircraft for training.
• It enhances the capability to deliver effective pre-hospital emergency care to combat casualties.