Radiological Emergency Responder Field Team Route Training Simulation Using Gaming Technology and Commonly Used Atmospheric Model Outputs

Project Summary Attachment In the radiological response community, with the exception of a limited number of large-scale exercises, there is a gap in technology that hinders hands-on survey training. Even when there is an available exercise, the compressed time sequence prevents realistic practice for some players, particularly field survey teams. The goal of this Phase I project is to initiate efforts to narrow this gap by creating a prototype of a computer game-based framework, RadTeamSim - Route, that in conjunction with common radiological dose modeling (used to create exercise scenarios around the United States), provides members of survey team adequate opportunities to improve their knowledge and make critical decisions in a dynamic, scientifically accurate environment. The architecture of the RadTeamSim - Route will provide ample opportunities for repeated practice that incorporates real time, personal, and unequivocal feedback – all necessary ingredients for developing robust expertise. In turn, making such framework available, will significantly increase the number of individuals able to access realistic training to practice critical radiological field survey monitoring skills through a game-based training option that does not currently exist for this audience. The primary goal of this project is to create a new training platform by blending existing dose modeling methods with gaming software. This new platform would support improved radiological emergency response preparedness by creating realistic radiation incident scenarios to enable responders to improve their field survey and health and safety awareness skills. Phase I Objectives Include:· Develop a prototype/proof of concept for a realistic field survey team training game withinputs from radiological modeling software· Validate the values in the simulation game against the modeling software outputs toensure proper survey data and location alignment between the data· Survey the community for feedback on the usability of the simulation game as trainingdelivery and interest in future enhancements or other types of realistic game-basedtraining that would be ideal for radiological emergency response Long Term/Future Phase Objectives Include:· Expanding into additional critical training areas, such as field team sampling of water,soil, and vegetation.· Leveraging Virtual Reality platforms for all training options.Project Narrative Radiological emergency response is an area in which the risk is high for responders. Field team members must traverse through contaminated regions with limited training. This project will result in a video game environment that will improve training and health and safety of team members.