JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Being sudden cardiac arrest still a major cause of death, basic life support with defibrillation (BLSD) is crucial in the emergency response system. Unfortunately, only a minority of victims receive bystanders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In this context, training could be helpful to save more lives and technology-enhanced simulation is one possible solution.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess feasibility and acceptability of an Augmented Reality (AR) prototype system as a tool for training CPR, AED use, and emergency response system activation.

Methods:

Holo-BLSD is an AR self-instruction training system, developed using a standard CPR mannequin which is “augmented” by an interactive virtual environment reproducing realistic scenarios. Learners can use natural gestures, body movements and spoken commands to perform their tasks, with virtual 3D objects anchored to the manikin and to the environment. During the experience, users were trained to use the device, guided through an emergency simulation and, at the end, asked to complete a survey rating a number of statements using a five-point Likert scale.

Results:

The system was found easy to use (average value(AV) 4.00) and trainees stated that most people would learn to use it very quickly (AV 4.00). Voice (AV 4.48), gaze (AV 4.12) and gesture interaction (AV 3.84) were evaluated positively, although some hand recognition errors reduced the feeling of having the right level of control over the system (AV 3.40).

Conclusions:

We found Holo-BLSD application feasible and acceptable as an augmented reality tool for BLSD training.