Serious game training improves performance in combat life-saving interventions

In modern warfare, almost 25% of combat-related deaths are considered preventable if life-saving interventions are performed. Therefore, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training for soldiers is a major challenge. In 2014, the French Military Medical Service supported the development of 3D-SC1^®, a serious game designed for the French TCCC program, entitled Sauvetage au Combat de niveau 1 (SC1). Our study aimed to evaluate the impact on performance of additional training with 3D-SC1^®.

The study assessed the performance of soldiers randomly assigned to one of two groups, before (measure 1) and after (measure 2) receiving additional training. This training involved either 3D-SC1^® (Intervention group), or a DVD (Control group). The principal measure was the individual performance (on a 16-point scale), assessed by two investigators during a hands-on simulation. First, the mean performance score was compared between the two measures for Intervention and Control groups using a two-tailed paired t-test. Second, a multivariable linear regression was used to determine the difference in the impacts of 3D-SC1^® and DVD training, and the order of presentation of the two scenarios, on the mean change from baseline in performance scores.

A total of 96 subjects were evaluated: seven could not be followed-up, while 50 were randomly allocated to the Intervention group, and 39 to the Control group. Between measure 1 and measure 2, the mean (SD) performance score increased from 9.9 (3.13) to 14.1 (1.23), and from 9.4 (2.97) to 12.5 (1.83), for the Intervention group and Control group, respectively (p<0.0001). The adjusted mean difference in performance scores between 3D-SC1^® and DVD training was 1.1 (95% confidence interval -0.3, 2.5) (p=0.14). Overall, the study found that supplementing SC1 training with either 3D-SC1^® or DVD improved performance, assessed by a hands-on simulation. However, our analysis did not find a statistically significant difference between the effects of these two training tools. 3D-SC1^® could be an efficient and pedagogical tool to train soldiers in life-saving interventions. In the current context of terrorist threat, a specifically-adapted version of 3D-SC1^®may be a cost-effective and engaging way to train a large civilian public.