Simulacrum: Simulation Virtual Reality for Emergency Medical Intervention in Battle Field Conditions

Abstract

In recent years, virtual reality technology has become one of the most effective tools used in the field of education due to its both hardware and software features. There are several studies in the literature that have been developed using the benefits of this technology in many different areas such as military, industrial, education, health and entertainment. This research aims to create a virtual reality based system that trains military personnel on emergency response techniques in the battle environment. In this project developed with respect to the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, HTC Vive, one of the most successful virtual helmets, has been used in order to increase the realism of this virtual environment where individuals learn first aid techniques or reinforce their knowledge. Participants who felt themselves in a war environment using this helmet had the opportunity to learn first aid techniques related to bullet injuries, limb ruptures and arm breaks, which are the most common forms of injury in war conditions. This developed environment has been tested by both first aid technicians and experts in the military field to take their opinions about the environment. According to the results obtained from these interviews, it was seen that the designed battle environment does not contain real life risks and it provides a continuous re-opportunity to the participants so that this environment can be a useful educational tool for increasing the knowledge levels and abilities of those who will work in this area.