Georgian College's firefighter mixed reality simulation a first in Canada
Georgian College is the first college in Canada to test a new firefighter mixed reality simulation.
The school is one of the world leaders in exploring and integrating virtual reality into curricula.
"By mixed reality, what I mean is a combination of virtual reality glasses combined with real-world objects like the fire hose," said Rob Theriault, the Immersive Technology Manager at Georgian College.
The simulator also includes a thermal imaging camera and a vest that heats up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit as you get closer to the flames.
In its early stages, the technology is receiving positive feedback from firefighters.
"They're quite impressed with the realism of the experience. Particularly the weight of the hose and the tension on the hose when you try to move forward as you would with a real hose," added Theriault.
The mixed reality simulation is a potential new valuable tool for training.
"It just makes you think in a three-dimensional state. It's not just going to a video game where you're walking into nothing. It allows you to assess your hazards and make a proper decision based on those," said training officer Nicole Brugger who participated in the exercise for the first time Wednesday.
Mixed reality simulator fire training at Georgian College in Barrie, Ont. on Wed., Aug. 31, 2022 (CTV News/Ian Duffy)
"It's really valuable for developing muscle memory, for knowledge of procedural tasks. So that fire students have a good solid foundation before they go to real fire practice," echoed Theriault.
It's also a much safer training ground for fighting fires.
"We want to step away from putting ourselves in class-A burns just because of the cancer-related pullbacks from that, but the fact is that you can't do live fire training without live fire, and this gets you a little closer to doing it, like we would on scene," said Brugger.
The early research is already showing positive results for students at Georgian College.
"When students do things with their hands in a virtual environment, it translates to better retention of those skills and the sequence of those skills," pointed out Theriault.
Virtual reality isn't just for fire training at Georgian College. It's also used for architecture, nursing, and indigenous language studies, among other programs.
"It's really an opportunity to do some hands-on experiences and field trips in some cases that would otherwise be impossible," said Theriault.
The school plans to integrate more artificial intelligence and biometrics into virtual reality to enhance simulations and the student learning experience.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.