Simulation as a New Approach to First Responders Training

The perception and awareness of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear ("CBRN") emergencies is rising. These hazards are not directly detectable by human senses and thus no inborn reactions exist. As a consequence, special tools to detect these dangers have to be utilized. Since these dangers tend to affect large areas, it is necessary to establish standardized, coherent ¿Best Practices¿, which have to be specifically trained under realistic but safe conditions. Modern technology allows simulating complex scenarios. The goal of the SimRad project is the user centered development and utilization of training and communication tools for all aspects of effective management of emergency situations, including team coordination. Regarding the process flow of First Responders intervention, emergency activities can be dissected into individual sub processes. This provides the basis for a purposeful optimization of individual activities through simulations, ranging from rough approximations to realistic simulations using Mixed Reality technology.