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The Ludus cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulation is an additional resource for trainers to teach and practice CPR in an immersive environment. How does it feel to use virtual reality (VR) technology in a stressful situation such as resuscitation? This is how we keep a heart beating with virtual reality CPR simulation.

Virtual reality (VR) offers a wide range of possibilities for health and safety trainers. In the case of CPR, technicians can introduce case studies so to enrich the learning process. The user-experience when trying out a CPR simulation is immersive, and helps to prepare them for a real situation.

The HSE trainer, after having received Ludus training, will position the sensorised bust in the space where the simulation is going to take place. This bust will coincide with the image of the virtual victim we will see, to add greater realism to the experience. When everything is ready, the trainer will explain how to interact within the simulation. This is when we put on the headset and begin the experience.

We keep the victim´s heart beating using the virtual reality CPR simulation.

We are in an airport terminal, in a waiting area where we see seats and travellers with their luggage. We hear a voice over the loudspeaker announcing the flights, and through the windows, we can see planes on the runway. In front of us, we see a person lying on the ground who seems to have lost consciousness.

Kneeling in front of the person, we check their state of consciousness by moving their arm to see if they are responsive. When we see that they do not respond to stimuli, we use the head- tilt/chin-lift manoeuvre and bring our ear close to their mouth to check their breathing. We hear nothing and see that their torso is not moving, which can only mean one thing: the victim is not breathing.

This is not the time to panic; we have to call the emergency services. We use a mobile phone that we have next to us (at this stage we can do a role-play, explaining which part of the airport we are in, what is happening...). We put the phone on hands-free and look around us; the Emergency Department operator (the HSE trainer, in the role-play) has told us to look for a defibrillator.
Luckily, behind us, we see an AED. We remove the victim's shirt and notice that he has a lot of chest hair. This makes it difficult for the AED patches to stick, so we use a razor to shave the hair. We then apply the patches and the machine, after analysis, recommends a shock, so we apply it.

After seeing how the victim's chest rises as a result of the shock, we proceed to apply the CPR manoeuvre. We place our hands and start compressions, trying to keep the right rhythm. For this, it is very useful to have some familiar songs in your head, such as 'Stayin' alive' by Bee Gees.

At that moment, while we try not to get tired too quickly and keep our concentration, a lady appears and starts criticising us. "That´s wrong! You´re not doing it right! You have to do abdominal thrusts," she exclaims as if the situation wasn't stressful enough. However, we manage to not lose concentration and continue with the compressions until the trainer ends the exercise.

We have completed the CPR manoeuvre and kept the victim's heart beating, giving him a chance of survival. We are now better prepared to react if we encounter a similar stressful situation in real life.

A tool with multiple possibilities for trainers

Ludus simulations offer trainers a wide range of possibilities to convey their HSE knowledge. In the case of the CPR simulation, the trainer can introduce case studies or variables, before or during the exercise:

  • The victim is breathing normally (which would mean no CPR) or the victim is not breathing normally (agonal respiration).
    • There is no defibrillator to hand, or the defibrillator is out of battery and does not work. In this case, the trained person must react and start CPR immediately.
    • External elements that increase stress. In addition to the criticising woman, the trainer can introduce or remove a frightened man at any time.
    • Different scenarios with multiple settings. In one of the scenarios, a shopping centre, there is background music and noises that make it difficult to maintain concentration.
  • Option of doing the exercise in a guided mode, which explains the steps to follow, or in free mode.

These and many other possibilities make the CPR simulation a useful tool for trainers.

Data to evaluate training performance

At the end of the CPR simulation training, the trainer is provided with evaluative tools to measure performance:

    • Practical assessment: completed and uncompleted steps are shown, and variables such as reaction time, number, rhythm and depth of compressions, etc. are measured.
  • Theoretical-practical evaluation: in addition to the practical evaluation, there are questions that the trainee has to answer, and based on all the results, a score is calculated.

This evaluation mode is a great tool for trainers and trainees, as it allows them to analyse what has been done well and what needs to be improved. The data collected by the Ludus tool allows them to make informed decisions.

According to the American Heart Association, in cardio respiratory arrest, the chance of survival decreases by 10% for every minute that CPR is delayed. However, as the minutes pass, the damage is even greater. In addition, most heart attacks occur outside hospitals.

Being prepared to react, even under pressure, is essential to give the victim a fighting chance. Keeping the heart beating until the emergency services arrive can be decisive. That is why it is so important that we all know how to perform CPR.

Virtual reality helps to overcome the barriers so that CPR training becomes common knowledge among the population. Do you want to know how? Find out at this link