Training and Supporting First Responders by Mixed Reality Environments

Abstract

The perception and awareness of the possibilities of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear ("CBRN") emergencies is constantly growing. These dangers are in most cases not directly detectable by human senses and as a consequence no inborn or trained refle- xes of reaction exist. One has to explicitly design and validate(!) special procedures (’Best Practices’) to detect and to counter such dangers. These Best Practices have to be specifi- cally trained, especially under near-realistic yet safe conditions. Modern technology allows to simulate actual situations (including the use of simulated tools) and the consequences of various courses of action in a realistic way. The overall goal of the SimRad.NCB project is the development and utilization of trai- ning tools for First Responders for all aspects of an intervention in emergency situations, including technical procedures, management, team coordination, etc. By taking a process view these interventions can be dissected into individual emergency processes and their subprocesses. This allows a pin-pointed substitution of some individual activities by a simulation, ranging from coarse approximations up to near-realistic simula- tions using Mixed Reality technology. This paper is an evolution and expansion of [Chroust et al., 2008] and will specifical- ly emphasize the process point of view of these response actions and the corresponding simulation possibilities.