Making medical first aiders fit for missions

Medical first responders are confronted with an increasing number of disasters that result in a large number of injured people. In such situations, first responders face major challenges, such as correctly assessing the situation and monitoring the health of many injured people.

The recently launched EU project MED1stMR is developing a novel mixed reality training system to be used in the training of medical first responders. By using the MED1stMR training solution, the safety of action is increased, a faster reaction is made possible and the coping strategies of medical first responders are improved.

The new generation of MR training offers improved haptic feedback by integrating patient simulation manikins and medical equipment into the virtual environment. The special feature is that the trainees can feel and perceive both bodies and movements during examination and treatment in virtual scenarios.

Helmut Schrom-Feiertag (AIT), coordinator of MED1stMR, underlines the relevance of the project: "The correct assessment of situations and the choice of the most appropriate strategy for treating many injured people are challenges in current emergency medical training. Current training options for such scenarios are limited. We want to close this gap with the MR solution developed in MED1stMR. We bring real simulation mannequins into virtual training to best prepare responders for emergency situations."

A multidisciplinary, international consortium, coordinated by AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Technology Experience, received €7.8 million Horizon 2020 funding to implement the MED1stMR project. 19 European project partners from renowned research institutions, medical first responder organisations, business and technology companies will work on the project for 3 years.
 

www.med1stmr.eu