Training simulator with VR glasses

Astrid Mair: Avalanches are a danger in the Alps. This makes it all the more important to continuously raise awareness among mountain sports enthusiasts and at the same time provide recommendations for action. If a person is buried by an avalanche, every second counts. The better first responders are trained on site and the faster buried victims can be found and rescued by the so-called 'comrade rescue', the higher the chances of survival. Together with the provincial avalanche warning service team, we have considered how we can make a contribution on the part of the province to support mountain sports enthusiasts who are on site in the event of an avalanche and have to carry out a 'comrade rescue'. This is exactly where we come in with the new training simulator: The tool offers the opportunity to practice crucial rescue measures in avalanche accidents in a realistic way. This enables winter sports enthusiasts to prepare themselves even better and provide more effective assistance in an emergency.

Norbert Lanzanasto: " The 'comrade rescue' is one of the most important and effective forms of rescue, as it starts immediately after an avalanche has occurred and no time is lost. In order to learn the necessary skills, various institutions offer courses in the field. Participants learn how a 'companion rescue' works. However, there are certain limitations to courses. The extensive preparation required to carry out realistic scenarios and the limited time available make it very difficult to practise several scenarios in succession in the field. By using virtual reality, realistic scenarios can be simulated and skills in 'companion rescue' can be improved without requiring a great deal of time or extensive preparation in the field.

Astrid Mair: In the simulator, the entire process from packing the rucksack to the arrival of the professional rescuers can be practiced. To make the exercise as realistic as possible, we decided to use virtual reality technology, i.e. VR goggles. When the goggles are put on, the user is immersed in the virtual world of the training simulator. In this virtual world, you can look around, move around and perform movements with the additional controllers. In short: every step of the exercise - from packing the rucksack to shoveling out - feels like you are doing it in real life in the simulator.

Norbert Lanzanasto: The training simulator with VR glasses makes it possible to practise decision-making and practical skills in a safe and controlled environment - for example, in a hotel room. People can run through realistic scenarios again and again to improve their reaction times, develop effective action patterns and analyze mistakes. The training simulator complements the practical courses in the field by providing an additional opportunity to continuously train and improve skills.

Astrid Mair: The simulator has been available to download since October 2023. It is a free app that can be loaded onto suitable VR glasses and used without additional devices such as a PC or cell phone. This means the simulator can be used very flexibly. All you need is a pair of VR glasses and an area of around four by four meters.

Norbert Lanzanasto: This will make it possible for mountain huts to provide guests with VR goggles and for scenarios to be practiced the evening before a tour. Virtual practice can also be an addition to courses. In the same way, tourism associations or hotels could provide guests with a previously unavailable experience by making VR goggles available. At the same time, valuable skills are trained and an awareness of the dangers in the winter mountains is created.

The application can be downloaded free of charge here.