Virtual reality CPR training rolled out for Vic students

New virtual reality CPR training has just been launched by St John Ambulance Victoria, providing students with real-life scenarios from which to learn.

‘SJx’ is a new training course that will accredit the Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate to Victorian students using 360° video scenarios and an integrated questionnaire.

It can be delivered via two methods: a one-hour delivery for four students using virtual reality or a two-hour delivery for a group of 20 students using immersive learning. This will cut up to two hours from the traditional time it takes to deliver and undertake CPR training.

Research has shown that students who are trained through virtual reality answer questions correctly 82% of the time, which is 8% higher than the average respondent. Additionally, learning through virtual reality has also proven to increase overall student reaction time by 20% and achieve a retention rate of 75%, significantly higher than the 5% associated with the traditional lecture style.

“We know our lives are increasingly busy, which is why St John Ambulance Victoria has significantly cut down the time it takes to deliver a market-leading first aid course — from almost half a day to just one hour, whilst still ensuring that our students get the same high-quality learning experience,” said the CEO of St John Ambulance Victoria, Gordon Botwright.

Research taken from other overseas virtual reality CPR training courses has shown a significant increase in bystander response rates from just 58% to 82%. Through the rollout of this immersive course, St John Ambulance Victoria can continue to equip our students with the skills and real-world scenarios they need to improve cardiac arrest response times and ultimately, survival rates.”

Australian virtual reality developers Start VR worked closely with St John Ambulance Victoria to develop the new SJx technology, which showcases two real-life scenarios for students to respond to using 360-virtual reality; one scenario takes place in a carpark while the second is at a childcare centre.

SJx training can now be undertaken at St John Ambulance Victoria’s training headquarters located at Level 6, 310 King Street, Melbourne or delivered to small and medium-sized groups of up to 20 students by St John Ambulance Victoria trainers at workplaces around Victoria.

Image courtesy of St John Ambulance Victoria.