Human factors in emergency rescue: Can real-time spatial video enhance communication and command capabilities?

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether real-time spatial video feedback could enhance navigation and command capabilities of emergency rescue teams. Participants engaged in search and rescue missions using a simulated virtual disaster scenario in Unity, with two methods of communication available: traditional voice communication and real-time video feedback. Forty individuals were separated into 20 groups, and each group carried out four experiments using a within-subject design. Post-experimental evaluations included the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), task completion time, and walking distance and a short interview. A repeated measures analysis of variance found that, as compared to traditional communication, real-time video feedback considerably reduced perceived workload, task completion time, and walking distance. These findings imply that using real-time spatial video can improve the efficiency of rescue teams and ease human factors issues in emergencies.