To solve this problem Conestoga College and XpertVR partnered to create the virtual reality (VR) Search & Rescue training simulation. In the simulation students and trainees are equipped and trained on how to use firefighters day-to-day equipment. This includes, a flashlight, radio, SCBA gear, axe, halligan bar and more. They are then placed infront of a burning two story house with a basement and up to 4 victims inside. The placement of the fires and victims are randomized each time the student restarts the simulation so they can practice as many times as needed to feel confident. The simulation also has an AI partner so that a student practicing by themselves can still follow the proper buddy system procedures. Students then must follow all other proper procedures and radio callouts to successfully rescue the victims and call for help when needed.

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Not to mention even in proper conditions each year multiple firefighters die and thousands more are injured, during training activities. These factors have led to many post secondary students, volunteer firefighters and career firefighters lacking the amount of hands-on training required to be fully confident on the job.

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If you are an educator or trainer who is interested in learning more about VR training for firefighters or simply wants to consult on applying for a VR grant, feel free to reach out to us at info@xpertvr.com

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Firefighting is a very hands-on profession and without the proper preparation it can be almost impossible to know if you’re ready to face the demanding pressures of the job. That is why post secondary institutions like Conestoga College offer extensive firefighter training programs. The problem is most institutions have little to no access to controlled burn training facilities for students to practice with real fires, as they cost 100’s of thousands of dollars to maintain and operate and even more to build. This isn’t helped by the fact that in North America many of these facilities are past their prime and are beginning to be shut down because of safety concerns.

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VR allows students to safely practice the training scenarios from the comfort of their homes or in classrooms. Students can repeat the learning process as many times as they want until they learn the concept fully. This way, students remember what they are learning through regular practice in a virtual environment rather than just memorizing the concepts.

After multiple successful projects under their partnership, Conestoga College approached XpertVR with their most ambitious project yet. To create a fully realistic search & rescue simulation for firefighters in training.

Practicing concepts in such an interactive, engaging, and immersive way not only enhances one’s skills but also helps in strengthening memory. Moreover, through regular practice, students are able to apply the learning in real-life scenarios without any fear and hesitation. Because of this Conestoga sees the simulation as a great addition to their firefighting courses as it doesn’t fully replace the classroom or controlled burn training exercises but acts as a perfect bridge. Allowing students to apply and practice their classroom knowledge so when they have the opportunity to train at a controlled burn facility, they are confident and prepared.

In demo’s to in-service Firefighters, comments included “I was surprised at how easy the technology was to use”, conducting the search & rescue felt very real”, and ” the simulation will help the students significantly”.