BLS & AED In The Subway VR Training

1. Training Objectives

The goal of the training is for participants to acquire knowledge and practical skills in Basic Life Support (BLS) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the context of emergency situations in public spaces. The training follows the 2021 ERC guidelines, with a focus on early recognition of cardiac arrest, immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and early use of an AED, which significantly improves survival rates. The training aims to increase awareness of the variety of emergency situations in different public environments, such as metro stations, train stations, and other high-traffic areas, and to enable participants to respond effectively in stressful conditions.

2. Participants

This training is dedicated to:

• Individuals designated to provide first aid in workplaces,

• Participants in initial and periodic occupational health and safety (OHS) training,

• Participants in first aid training courses,

• Children and teenagers,

• Members of Volunteer Fire Departments.

3. Training Program Outline

Part I – Introduction (15 minutes)
Introduction led by the trainer before starting the VR simulation:

• Overview of basic BLS principles according to the 2021 ERC guidelines:

  • The importance of early recognition of cardiac arrest,

  • Correct chest compression quality.

• Introduction to using the AED and its role in the survival chain.

• Specifics of first aid in public spaces:

  • Identifying potential hazards,

  • Communication in emergency situations.

• Presentation of the VR application:

  • Explanation of the handtracking function, including how to grab objects in the virtual space,

  • Explanation of the speech recognition function, enabling natural interaction with the system.

Part II – Practical Exercises using the VR Application (10 minutes)
Carried out in the VR environment:
Simulation of an emergency situation in a public space using VR goggles:

• Recognizing signs of life absence in the victim (no breathing or pulse),

• Immediate call for help and notifying emergency services,

• Correct initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR):

  • Performing chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute on a manikin connected to the app through the programmed compression algorithm,

  • Ensuring full chest recoil after each compression,

  • Correct compression depth (5–6 cm for adults).

• Proper use of the AED:

  • Turning on the device and following the voice instructions,

  • Correct placement of electrodes on the victim's chest,

  • Ensuring safety (stepping back from the victim before defibrillation).

• Interactive scenarios – reacting to multiple emergency situations in real-time, including:

  • Presence of witnesses and their involvement in helping,

  • Actions in confined spaces, such as crowded metro stations or train platforms,

  • Dealing with additional hazards like noise or limited visibility.

Part III: Summary and Evaluation (10 minutes)

• Discussion of participants' performance, including the correctness of CPR techniques and AED use.

• Discussion on areas for improvement.

The training combines theoretical and practical elements using modern VR technology, allowing for realistic simulation of emergency situations and effective skill acquisition in a safe environment.