Augmented reality training in basic life support with the help of smart glasses. A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Layperson training in basic life support (BLS) is crucial for emergency response.
• Traditional BLS training methods face challenges, creating a knowledge gap in optimal educational approaches.
• Innovative technologies like smart glasses show potential for improving BLS education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, smart glass-assisted remote training program for layperson BLS.
• To assess the impact of smart glass video communication on learning basic life support skills.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving twelve laypeople tele-trained in BLS using smart glasses by an remote instructor.
• Performance assessment of BLS and automated external defibrillation (AED) procedures during and after training in a simulated scenario.

Main Results:

• All participants achieved good quality BLS post-training, comparable to instructor-guided performance.
• Participants exhibited a significantly higher chest compression rate when unassisted (113/min vs. 103/min).
• Unassisted participants spent less time performing BLS steps compared to the assisted training phase.

Conclusions:

• Brief remote BLS training using smart glasses is an effective method for laypeople.
• This technology is suitable for remote areas lacking local instructors, provided internet access.
• Smart glasses can also serve as a tool for layperson BLS refresher training.