Tactical Medicine VR Training | TU Wien – Research Unit of Computer Graphics

Information

Publication Type: Master Thesis
Workgroup(s)/Project(s): not specified
Date: 2025
TU Wien Library: AC17569175
Open Access: yes
First Supervisor: Eduard Gröller
Pages: 93
Keywords: Virtual Reality, Tactical Medicine, Training

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a virtual reality (VR) training simulation for tactical medicine, developed using Unity and optimized for the Meta Quest 3 headset. The system recreates a high-stress scenario inspired by realworld knife attack incidents and integrates hand tracking for natural interaction. The training focuses on triage, bleeding control, and communication with injured patients and bystanders. A qualitative user study involving ten participants with prior first aid or tactical medical experience was conducted to evaluate three research questions: (1) whether realistic scenario design affects perceived stress and immersion, (2) how different interaction methods (hand tracking vs. controllers) impact usability, and (3) whether users view VR as a complement or replacement for traditional training. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that realistic audio-visual cues increase immersion, but do not necessarily heighten stress. Hand tracking was perceived as more intuitive, though limited by technical constraints. Participants overwhelmingly saw VR as a valuable supplement to—but not a substitute for—physical training. The findings highlight VR’s potential for scalable, immersive, and safe training solutions in emergency medicine.

Additional Files and Images

thesis

Weblinks

BibTeX

@mastersthesis{tretyak-2025-tmv,
  title =      "Tactical Medicine VR Training",
  author =     "Volodymyr Tretyak",
  year =       "2025",
  abstract =   "This thesis presents the design, implementation, and
               evaluation of a virtual reality (VR) training simulation for
               tactical medicine, developed using Unity and optimized for
               the Meta Quest 3 headset. The system recreates a high-stress
               scenario inspired by realworld knife attack incidents and
               integrates hand tracking for natural interaction. The
               training focuses on triage, bleeding control, and
               communication with injured patients and bystanders. A
               qualitative user study involving ten participants with prior
               first aid or tactical medical experience was conducted to
               evaluate three research questions: (1) whether realistic
               scenario design affects perceived stress and immersion, (2)
               how different interaction methods (hand tracking vs.
               controllers) impact usability, and (3) whether users view VR
               as a complement or replacement for traditional training.
               Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that realistic
               audio-visual cues increase immersion, but do not necessarily
               heighten stress. Hand tracking was perceived as more
               intuitive, though limited by technical constraints.
               Participants overwhelmingly saw VR as a valuable supplement
               to—but not a substitute for—physical training. The
               findings highlight VR’s potential for scalable, immersive,
               and safe training solutions in emergency medicine.",
  pages =      "93",
  address =    "Favoritenstrasse 9-11/E193-02, A-1040 Vienna, Austria",
  school =     "Research Unit of Computer Graphics, Institute of Visual
               Computing and Human-Centered Technology, Faculty of
               Informatics, TU Wien",
  keywords =   "Virtual Reality, Tactical Medicine, Training",
  URL =        "https://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/2025/tretyak-2025-tmv/",
}