Virtual Reality for Fire and Rescue Service professionals’ training

The captivating realm of extended reality technology, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), has rapidly garnered attention within education and training. While these technologies have found widespread acceptance in domains like surgical training, their integration in other sectors, such as training for Fire and Rescue Services Personnel (FRSP), has been notably slow.

This sluggish pace persists despite several potential benefits expounded in the literature—ranging from cost-effective training to the provision of diverse, complex, and dynamic scenarios, all while providing uniform conditions for training and assessment. Moreover, the promise of safe, environmentally friendly, and remote training possibilities further adds to the values VR could provide for FRSP training needs.

The role and utilization of VR for Fire and Rescue Services Professionals

Motivated by this landscape, the overarching aim of this doctoral project is to delve into the role and utilization of VR, in the FRSP training context, beginning from the design and development of tailored applications to probing the intricacies of implementation and use.

The project is conducted in cooperation with several organizations in the FRSP field of practice: the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), the Fire and Rescue Service Skaraborg (RS) (former Östra Skaraborg, ROS) in Sweden, and the fire service Corpo de Bombeiros da Policia Militar do Parana Federal (PF) in Brazil. Commercially available VR technologies, selected by the organizations, have been used to develop training scenarios and investigate the utilization of Virtual Simulation (VS), as a novel training format, within firefighter and incident commander training.

The quest for understanding the role of VR within FRSP training spans various dimensions, including its role in relation to existing training methodologies, the requisite technological adjustments for delivering optimal experiences, the alignment of technology with specific training goals, and the exploration of the role of these technologies in supporting trainers to assess trainee performance.

Five empirical studies conducted in authentic training environments

The multifaceted nature of the research questions mirrors the complexity of the endeavor, rendering the journey to answer them equally intricate. Comprising five empirical studies conducted in authentic training environments, involving key stakeholders from FRSP organizations, this thesis weaves together empirical insights and theoretical reasoning. The goal is not only to unearth findings but also to ground them in theory, providing comprehensive answers to the research questions.

The overarching aim is reached by creating a framework for understanding how VR can complement FRSP training both on training grounds and in classrooms, along with guidance and practical examples for implementation. The doctoral thesis is based on three published journal articles and three published scientific conference papers. Results from the doctoral project have additionally been disseminated in FRSP-related conferences presentations. This endeavor strives to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of VR technologies in the crucial domain of FRSP training.

Trial lecture

Monday 10 June 10:15 in M005, K2, Campus Kronstad
Title: Demystifying the use and unleashing the potential in a space of infinite possibilities of VR for training: opportunities and challenges for this new technology

Public defence

Monday 10 June 13:15 in M005, K2, Campus Kronstad
Thesis title: Virtual Reality for Fire and Rescue Service professionals’ training
Finish approximately 15.30.

Supervisors

• Professor Ilona Heldal (main supervisor)
• Professor Monica Metallinou (co- supervisor)

Committee

• 1st opponent:  Professor Frederick Benaben, IMT Mined Albi, France
• 2nd opponent: Professor Marcos Roberto da Silva Borges, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazi
• Committee leader:  Maria de Las Nieves Fernandez Anez, HVL

Leader of the defence

Kristin Fanebust Hetland