Applying Virtual Reality (VR) Technology to Improve Emergency Rescue Skills program: A Case Study of Sichuan province

Abstract

This study investigates the application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in enhancing emergency rescue training, using the Sichuan Disaster Prevention and Reduction Museum in Chengdu, China, as a case study. Against the backdrop of increasing natural disasters and public safety concerns, the research addresses the limitations of traditional training methods and evaluates the effectiveness of VR-based instruction in improving public emergency preparedness. Employing a quasi-experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study compares two groups: a VR-trained experimental group and a traditionally taught control group. The research sample comprised 471 participants who engaged in either VR simulations of fire emergencies or conventional classroom sessions. Key variables assessed included knowledge acquisition, response speed, skill performance, and user satisfaction. The findings reveal that VR training significantly enhances learners’ comprehension, practical skills, and emotional preparedness, offering immersive, interactive, and authentic emergency scenarios. Notably, participants in the VR group demonstrated faster learning, higher satisfaction, and greater confidence in disaster response. Moreover, they perceived VR to be more engaging and conducive to personalized learning compared to traditional methods. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and correlation analysis via SPSS, confirmed significant differences between the two groups, with VR training yielding superior outcomes in most areas. However, areas for improvement in VR design were identified, including equipment comfort, visual clarity, and motion sickness issues. This study underscores the transformative potential of VR in emergency education, advocating for its broader adoption in public safety training. It contributes valuable insights into the development of immersive educational models, supporting a shift toward more dynamic, accessible, and effective disaster preparedness strategies. The findings have practical implications for policy makers, educators, and emergency planners aiming to enhance societal resilience through technology-driven solutions.

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