Experiencing Immersive VR Simulation for Firefighter Skills Training

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) technology for training has gained interest in many domains, including firefighter education. However, there is hesitation to accept immersive VR technology, especially for skills training. This study investigates the experiences of nineteen firefighter-students, eight instructors, and seven experienced firefighters, all first-time users of an immersive VR tool, used for simulated fire extinguishing. The technology provided simulated fire and smoke, heat elements in the suit, and pressure experience via a haptic feedback hose. User experiences were studied through questionnaires, and observations. The experience of immersive VR extinguishing was compared to previous Hot-Fire Live-Simulation (HF-LS), usually performed in a container in the training field. The results indicate that experienced firefighters valued the training more highly than students. Findings illustrate a difference between user groups regarding expectations of realism in simulated representations. For example, the visual realism of the smoke and the fire was more satisfactory for experienced firefighters than students and instructors.