In 2020 the Saif Bin Zayed Academy for Security & Policing Sciences in the United Arab Emirates created
a Police Virtual Training Centre, known as the Abu Dhabi Police Virtual Training Centre. Since their
inception they have internally developed more than 12 virtual reality simulations. This includes a
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Virtual Reality (VR) Training Program. Delivered to both police
officers and civilian employees the CPR VR replicates a realistic cardiac arrest incident. The purpose of
this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this VR simulation. This is achieved by using a quantitative
survey methodology to test the knowledge acquired from two groups who received CPR training using
VR and a second who received it using traditional classroom tuition. Results are compared inferential
statistics and identified no significant difference in test outcomes, indicating the VR simulation is safe.
In addition, we surveyed both groups regarding their views and perspectives of the training environment
and we used the presence scale for virtual reality to test the degree of immersion, environmental fidelity
and for negative impacts. Correlational analysis identified a strong link between the immersive nature of
VR, and levels of engagement and realism. Negative effects of discomfort and disorientation were
strongly correlated with one another but were not linked to the level of immersion. The findings are
discussed in the context of potentially using VR to supplement or replace existing police CPR training,
and the wider considerations regarding developing VR within policing.
Volume 2 l Issue 4 - 2024
Paige Keningale
Lecturer,
Policing & Security Program
Page 10
Full article published in: Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice | 2024
Examining the effectiveness of a police developed
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation virtual reality
training program
Dr. Eric Halford
Assistant Professor
Policing & Security Program
Research & Innovation
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