CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — At first glance, it looks like a video game. The headset shows a simulation, with someone on the ground bleeding.
While none of it is real, it's definitely not a game: The virtual reality environment is a training designed specifically for first responders.
“Everybody is cautious about technology and gaming and like, is it valuable? It is now," said Rick Huffman, the EMS Division Chief for Clackamas Fire Department.
Huffman has admired the technology for years and helped the department apply for a federal grant from Homeland Security. They received the funding last week.
“I think anybody will tell you, the first time you put on a virtual headset and either you’re jumping off a building or doing something, it feels more real than you expect,” Huffman said.
Huffman said Clackamas Fire is only the second fire agency in the nation to use the Australian-made program Emergi-Sim — short for Emergency Simulation — though, he adds, it's already being used at Portland Community College to train EMTs and paramedics.
While the headsets themselves are available to anyone, it's the specialty software that's so unique; Huffman said it costs about $50,000 dollars.
Clackamas first responders will use this program to mimic many high-stress emergencies like shootings, stabbings, multiple car pile ups and terrorist attacks.
"Most of the simulations are something that we have a hard time practicing on because they're so extreme and so high risk," Huffman explained. "[In VR,] your brain thinks you're there and that's been proven, and so, that's why it's valuable for us."
Huffman says they hope to expand the program throughout every fire station in the county in the near future.
While he says this technology will improve nearly every aspect of their training, it's no substitute for the real thing.
"it's not going to replace going outside and getting sweaty," Huffman said.