VR MedicalSIM
VR MedicalSim is a leading company specialized in XR (Extended Reality) medical simulation training.
Extended Reality Medical sImulation training
Virtual Life Support
FAQ
What is Virtual Life Support?
Virtual Life Support™ is a Virtual Reality CPR training module that prepares people to provide CPR in the real world.
Existing CPR courses let you train your technique, but no amount of classroom training can truly prepare you for encountering someone unconscious on the ground.
With virtual reality we can close the gap between classroom training and the real world unlike any other tool, giving people the confidence to act when there is a life on the line.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding Virtual Life Support. If you cannot find the information you’re looking for in the FAQ, feel free to
General
How much time does it take to complete the training?
The unassisted training scenario in Virtual Life Support takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Do trainees need prior VR experience to use Virtual Life Support?
No, VLS has been designed for use without any prior experience with virtual reality. The use of hand tracking means trainees do not have to familiarize themselves with controller layouts, and instead perform actions using the same motions they would in the physical world.
Depending on the platform, some instruction may be required for the trainer to set up devices. We provide detailed guides on how the headsets can be prepared for a seamless experience for the trainees.
Is VLS suitable for all age groups?
Most VR headsets are designed for ages 13 and up, including the Meta Quest 2. We have tested Virtual Life Support with a wide variety of ages and find that most age groups are able to complete the training. An evaluation version is available if you wish to test VLS for a specific group.
Please contact us if you want to evaluate Virtual Life Support.
I want to deploy VLS at an event, is this possible?
Please contact us if you want to deploy Virtual Life Support at an event.
Do trainees have to be supervised while using VLS?
Definitely not. Virtual Life Support has been developed for many use cases, one of them being able to train as often as you want, where you want. Which of course implies individual use without supervising.
Note that HMD vendors and/or vendors of a software platform used for deployment of VLS may impose restrictions on unsupervised use.
Is VLS suitable for people who are sensitive to motion sickness and/or simulator sickness?
Yes. Our team has extensive experience designing VR experiences for a wide audience, including those sensitive to motion sickness or simulator sickness.
Virtual Life Support does not contain any artificial motion (a common trigger for motion sickness), and most of the training is performed kneeling down in a stable position. We also ensure the VR headset is able to run at the lowest latency possible to maximize comfort.
Do I need controllers to use VLS?
No. Virtual Life Support uses hand tracking which means you control VLS with your hands. You may need your controllers to start VLS depending on the deployment platform you use.
I am left-handed, can I use VLS?
Yes. Virtual Life Support uses hand-tracking and tracks both hands so it does not matter which hand you use.
Features
How is the CPR score calculated?
Virtual Life Support tracks various metrics throughout the training. All of that data is used to calculate and display a number of key indicators:
- Rate: this is the median frequency of your compressions, measured in compressions per minute.
- Depth: this is the median depth of your compressions, measured in centimeters or inches.
- Compressions between breaths: the median number of compressions per set, i.e. between giving breaths. The ideal number of compressions between rescue breaths is 30.
- Hands-off time: the median time between sets that the user is not giving compressions, i.e. time spent on giving breaths, applying shock, etc. Lower is better, but between 5 and 10 seconds is reasonable when giving rescue breaths.
- CCF (Chest Compression Fraction): the fraction of time during the rescue during which CPR was provided. Virtual Life Support starts measuring this time as soon as the victim has been deemed unresponsive and not breathing. Generally, a CCF of 60% or higher is considered reasonable, and a CCF of 80% is ideal.
These metrics are available as a total, calculated over the complete simulation. It is however also possible to expand the scores to show the same score calculated per set of compressions.
To determine the final score, Virtual Life Support calculates an internal score for depth, rate, and CCF. These scores are then combined into an overall score from 0 to 100. The key to getting a good score is to start compressions as soon as possible, and to minimize pauses between compressions. From there, improving the quality of compressions (depth and rate) can boost your score even further.
The formula for the overall score is: 25% + 35% * CCF score + (15% * rate score + 25% * depth score) * CCF score
The individual scores are calculated as follows:
- Depth score is 100% when the average depth is within the range of 5cm to 7 cm. An average between 3.5cm and 5 cm or between 7cm and 10cm gets a percentage assigned between 0% and 100%, depending on how close it is to the 100% range. This is calculated linearly.
- Rate score is 100% when the average rate is between 100cpm and 120cpm. An average rate between 85cpm and 100cpm or between 120 and 135cpm gets a percentage assigned between 0% and 100%, depending on how close it is to the 100% range. This is calculated linearly.
- CCF score is between 0% and 50% when the CCF itself is between 30% and 50%, between 50% and 90% when the CCF is between 50% and 70%, and between 90% and 100% when the CCF is between 70% and 90%.
Example scores:
| Rate | Depth | CCF | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105 cpm | 5.5 cm | 80% | 96% |
| 105 cpm | 5.5 cm | 60% | 78% |
| 105 cpm | 5.5 cm | 40% | 44% |
| 90 cpm | 5.5 cm | 60% | 71% |
| 90 cpm | 4.0 cm | 60% | 59% |
| 125 cpm | 5.5 cm | 60% | 74% |
What languages are supported in VLS?
VLS is currently available in English and Dutch. Please contact us if you require another language for your deployment.
Can VLS be integrated with our LMS?
Please contact us if you want to integrate Virtual Life Support with a specific LMS (Learning Management System).
Can I choose a specific environment to train in?
At the moment you can train only in one environment, an alley in a city. We intend to add other environments in future versions. If you have a requirements for a specific environment to be supported in Virtual Life Support, please contact us so we can discuss your needs.
How is CPR performance measured?
By default the CPR performance, i.e. frequency and depth of your compressions, is measured through the headsets built-in sensors. This is accurate for frequency and, assuming compressions are given with stretched arms, as they should be, relatively accurate for the depth.
Starting with version 1.4 it is also possible to increase the accuracy of measuring the CPR performance by connecting VLS to a SimCPR® Pro Trainer. This simple device, worn on the wrist, connects via Bluetooth with VLS and sends it sensor data directly to VLS.
Can I save the training results?
Yes! With version 1.4 we introduced the option to save your training results to the Cloud. At the end of a training session, the training results will be presented. A Save button is available. Pressing this button will save the results to this website. A code will be shown that you can use on this page to retrieve your training results. You will also be able to download the training results in PDF format from that page.
The training results are available from our website for two weeks after saving them. After these two weeks the code to retrieve them will expire and can no longer be used.
Note that we do not store any personally identifiable information. The results are anonymous and only linked to the code. The code cannot be linked back to the user.
The video shows how to save and retrieve the training results.
Hardware
What devices are supported by VLS?
VLS is currently available for Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro. We intend to support other HMD’s in the future. If you require VLS to be available on other hardware, please contact us so we can discuss your needs.
Do you have recommendations for increasing comfort?
For Meta Quest 2 the standard head strap is not optimal for VLS. Especially for ladies with longer smooth hair the fit is not ideal and the headset will move easily when giving compressions. We therefore recommend using a more suitable head strap. There are many options available such as Meta’s Elite Strap, the KIWIdesign Audio Elite Strap and the BoboVR M2 Pro Plus. These alternative head straps also have options for an additional battery that is worn on the back of the head. This not only increases battery life (which is typically doubled), but also add to the the comfort of wearing the headset as the balance is improved.
We furthermore recommend using a replacement face interface, such as a silicon or PU leather face cover for the headset. These can easily be cleaned and are are a better fit than the standard cover provided by Meta. Companies such as VR Cover and KIWIdesign provide good options.
Will VLS be available for Android/iOS phones?
No, we do not believe we can offer a high quality VR training on smartphones.
Our team has previously developed experiences for simple VR headsets that require you to insert your phone, but these do not offer the fidelity and features required for Virtual Life Support.
If you do want to experience using an AED on a smartphone please checkout ZOLL’s Virtual Rescue apps, also developed by VR Lab, that are available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How do I connect a SimCPR® Pro Trainer?
If you want to use a SimCPR® Pro Trainer for more accurate measurement of CPR performance you can set this up with these steps:
- Turn on your SimCPR® Pro Trainer.
- Select Pair with SimCPR® Pro Trainer on the manikin selection dialog.
- The software will then scan for Bluetooth accessories, showing only the SimCPR devices that it will find. Select the device and continue.
- The software remembers the device and will show it under Known devices, the next time you run the training. Select and continue.
It is recommended to keep a specific SimCPR® Pro Trainer together with a specific headset, so it easily connects the next times.
Check out this short video clip to see how to connect a SimCPR.
Usage
How often do we have to recharge the headset when using VLS?
In our experience, a Meta Quest 2 running VLS lasts around 2 hours on a single charge.
You can use an external tethered battery pack to keep the headset at a constant charge. If this is your preferred option, please make sure that it is comfortable to wear the battery pack and it does not get in the way of your movements, specifically when performing compressions. Instead, we prefer having pairs of headsets to alternate between charging and being in use.
Which manikins can we use with VLS?
We recommend using a manikin with a realistic chest height, to better reflect the virtual victim in the training. We currently provide presets for the Laerdal Little Anne and Ambu Man, but you can use any manikin with Virtual Life Support. The setup process includes a step to specify the chest height of your model, so the virtual victim’s chest lines up perfectly with your manikin.
Troubleshooting
How can I prevent the manikin from moving?
You can attach the manikin to the floor using (velcro) tape for example. Or alternative use an anti-slip mat underneath your manikin.
We have attached the manikin with velcro tape to a vinyl floor mat with a custom texture.
The ground level of the world seems to be at the wrong height. What should I do?
Floor level is calibrated in the headsets guardian system. It is extremely important that this is done right. Together with the manikin height this determines whether compression depth can be accurately measured and calculated. For Meta Quest 2 you can find detailed information here for setting up the guardian.