EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDERS NEEDED FOR

VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY

The University of Houston Clear Lake and Tietronix Software Inc. seek healthy men and women ages 18 to 65 who are currently certified and/or employed in Emergency First Responder roles (Police Officer, Firefighter, Hazmat Worker, EMT) for a research study. The purpose of the study is to determine the usability, acceptability, and effectiveness of a Virtual Reality (VR) Simulator System for training First Responders in rare, difficult to simulate Hazardous Material Release scenarios. Study involves completing role-specific tasks in a virtualized scenario of hazardous material tanker spill in the Houston area using a Virtual Reality System at Tietronix Software. Participants will also be asked to wear simple, non-invasive sensors to monitor heart rate and stress factors.  Additionally, participants will be asked to fill out surveys to assess their prior experience, training as well as their ratings of the VR system for usability and acceptability and training potential.  The total amount of time for participation is estimated to be 1 to 1.5 hours total.

In order to participate, volunteers must meet the following criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 18 to 65 years of age
  • Physically fit enough to walk and move around wearing VR head mounted display
  • Must currently or recently (within last 1-2 years) work as emergency first responder as a Policeman, Firefighter, Hazmat Worker or EMT
  • Vaccinated for Covid 19, or a negative Covid 19 test within 48 hours of scheduled test session

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals with known discomfort (nausea, dizziness, anxiety) when using VR equipment or prone to significant motion or sea sickness

Participants will be compensated with a $100 gift card for their time and travel expenses upon completion of all study related activities.

Contact Information:
For more information please contact:

Location of Testing
Tietronix Software Inc.
1331 Gemini Ave. Suite 300
Houston, Texas 77546

Institutional Review Board
This study has been approved by the University of Houston Clear Lake Committee for The Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS, Federalwide Assurance No. 00004068)

Principal Investigator: William R. Buras MSc.

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