The Australian state firefighters will use virtual reality, props and real firefighting tools to prepare for structure and wildland fire
By Aimee Chanthadavong, ZDNet
Victorian volunteer firefighters will all soon have access to virtual reality (VR) training that is set to be rolled out across the state.
Developed by Victorian-based company Flaim Systems and Deakin University, the VR training has been designed to simulate dangerous fire scenarios such as house fires, grass fires, and plane fires. It uses a combination of real firefighting equipment such as breathing apparatuses and hose reels, as well as automated sense-perception devices like heat pads to mimic the visual and sensory feelings of being in a real fire.
Related: New Zealand Firefighters use Virtual Reality for Training
The training program is made up of two components — Flaim Trainer and Flaim Extinguisher — which will be rolled out to train over 30,000 volunteer firefighters during the year.
Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville said the training program would help teach firefighters the skills they need, while also minimizing logistics and cost associated with real-life training scenarios.
Related: Australia Fire Service Better Equipped for Next Fire Season
“It will give our hard-working volunteer firefighters the ability to extend their skills without exposing them to danger, and allow the CFA to expand its practical training to include more complex scenarios, such as airplane fires, without the costs of acting out this scenario in real life,” she said.
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