Improving HAZMAT training with a mixed reality patient simulator
Official title: Interactive Treatments for HAZMAT Training with the PerSim Mixed Reality Patient Simulator
Funded at Medcognition, INC. · NIH-10886475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training tool called PerSim, which uses cool technology to create lifelike patient simulations for emergency medical workers, helping them practice their skills in realistic HAZMAT situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medcognition, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $100,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES036396-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include emergency medical service trainees and professionals who require advanced training in HAZMAT situations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in emergency medical training or do not work in related fields may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing emergency medical training by developing a mixed reality patient simulator called PerSim, which aims to provide a more realistic training experience for HAZMAT scenarios. The simulator uses advanced technology to project lifelike patient animations, allowing trainees to practice their skills in a controlled environment. By addressing the limitations of traditional mannequins, such as cost and lack of realism, this project seeks to improve the emotional engagement and competence of trainees in emergency medical services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the training outcomes for emergency medical personnel dealing with hazardous materials.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhanced simulation training can lead to better learning outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Medcognition, INC.
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unrath, Russell — Medcognition, INC.
- Study coordinator: Unrath, Russell
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.