Serious game training improves performance in combat life-saving interventions.

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Medical Simulation
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Preventable combat deaths underscore the need for effective Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training.
• The French Military Medical Service developed 3D-SC1®, a serious game for TCCC (Sauvetage au Combat de niveau 1 - SC1) training.
• Evaluating novel training tools like 3D-SC1® is crucial for enhancing soldier preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of additional training with the 3D-SC1® serious game on soldier performance in TCCC.
• To compare the efficacy of 3D-SC1® training against traditional DVD-based training.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with soldiers assigned to either 3D-SC1® (Intervention) or DVD (Control) training.
• Individual performance was measured on a 16-point scale by two investigators during a hands-on simulation before and after training.
• Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and multivariable linear regression to compare performance changes between groups.

Main Results:

• Both Intervention and Control groups showed significant performance score increases (p<0.0001) from pre- to post-training.
• The adjusted mean difference in performance scores between 3D-SC1® and DVD training was 1.1 (95% CI -0.3, 2.5), not statistically significant (p=0.14).
• Overall, both training methods improved performance in the hands-on simulation.

Conclusions:

• Supplementing SC1 training with either 3D-SC1® or DVD effectively improves soldier performance in life-saving interventions.
• No statistically significant difference was found between the 3D-SC1® serious game and DVD training methods.
• 3D-SC1® presents potential as an efficient, pedagogical, and cost-effective tool for military and potentially civilian training in emergency response.