Virtual Reality for HAZMAT Decontamination Facility Training: An Initial Case Study

<p dir="ltr">Mass decontamination training is critical for hospital staff to effectively respond to large-scale chemical or radiological emergencies. Conventional training methods, which involve on-site simulations in open decontamination facilities (ODFs) are resource-intensive and time-consuming. To address these challenges, a virtual reality (VR) system was developed to simulate decontamination workflows, casualty scanning, and prioritization under emergency conditions. This VR platform offers an interactive, modular and process-oriented approach to training. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted, comparing VR-based training with conventional approaches. Quantitative analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in knowledge outcomes between the two groups, suggesting VR may be as effective as conventional training. Qualitative findings highlighted participants’ preference for VR due to its flexibility, streamlined resource use, and immersive learning experience. This demonstrates the potential of VR as a cost-effective, scalable supplement to conventional methods. The findings advocate for a hybrid training approach, integrating VR to enhance knowledge retention while preserving physical training.