Research on the use of virtual reality in intervention and rescue activities

National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion – INSEMEX Petroşani, Romania

^* Corresponding author: alin.irimia@insemex.ro

Abstract

In recent years in the virtual reality the developers succeeded in creating an artificial environment that simulates reality so that the user has the impression of an almost real physical presence in the virtual world. By overlapping and synchronizing the projected images with spatial sounds and even forces that interact with the user, there is a detachment of the user from the real environment and an all-encompassing involvement in the virtual world. The virtual reality is present in aviation, medicine, military training and other top fields. The advantages of using the virtual environment are obvious for areas where inexperience can cause very high loss of life and material loss. Although the participants are immersed in the scenario of the virtual environment, the errors produced allow an evaluation of the mistakes made and their correction, the experience gained being then used in professional activity in the real world. Through the experience of the virtual environment, the fear of various dangers can be overcome, so that the objectives of the exercise can be fulfilled. The aim of the paper is to offer to the rescuers opportunities to interact with the elements of the virtual space to fulfill the purpose of the exercise.