Abstract:

The organization of realistic and effective training procedures is crucial, especially for those educational fields where trainees must be prepared to face extreme working conditions and dangerous situations. This is particularly true for the training of First Responders (FRs), since novice trainees need to learn complex procedures, but they cannot be exposed to realistic, life-threatening situations due to their inexperience. In this scenario, the use of technology-based solutions, and in particular the use of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training experiences, can be beneficial. VR is a technology that allows for the creation of computer-generated experiences in which users are fully immersed in a virtual environment. This technology grants the possibility to create realistic simulations of real-world phenomena or procedures, where users can confront potentially fatal situations without the associated risks, utilize replicas of costly equipment without causing damage, receive automated training or evaluation from computer systems without the need for a physical instructor to be always present, and collaborate with other users in different locations without the need to travel. In essence, VR Training Systems (VRTSs) are cost-effective solutions that can minimize risks and costs and streamline the organization of training sessions without sacrificing overall learning outcomes.

Starting from these considerations, this paper presents an extension of an existing VRTS for training CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) operators in the Recce procedure, a reconnaissance protocol that must be carried out whenever a dispersion of hazardous material can occur. The previous system was completely rebuilt and extended in the context of the VR4CBRN initiative, adding the necessary characteristics required to apply for its official certification as a complementary training supplement for the traditionally used CBRN courses. The resulting system consists of a multi-role and multi-user application, developed in Unity, and tailored to immersive VR kits like the Meta Quest 2. The previously employed 3D models were replaced with new and more faithful ones, the simulated tools were updated to comply with the up-to-date CBRN procedures and standards, the existing interactions were extended, the overall user experience was improved based on the feedback collected from CBRN operators, and an initial step was added to the procedure, where trainees can cooperate to define how to approach the incident site, considering also the weather conditions that were implemented and can now influence the procedure. Finally, a new role (the “CBRN instructor”) was added to those already existing; the user playing this role can observe the procedure, take virtual notes and pictures, interact with the trainees and correct (or notify them about) mistakes made, thus improving the overall training experience. The resulting VRTS was preliminary tested in the context of the NATO’s “Toxic Trip 2023” event.

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, Education, Training, CBRN, First Responders.