Modeling Brain Dynamics During Virtual Reality-Based Emergency Response Learning Under Stress.

BACKGROUND: Stress affects learning during training, and virtual reality (VR) based training systems that manipulate stress can improve retention and retrieval performance for firefighters. Brain imaging using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) can facilitate development of VR-based adaptive training systems that can continuously assess the trainee's states of learning and cognition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to model the neural dynamics associated with learning and retrieval under stress in a VR-based emergency response training exercise. METHODS: Forty firefighters underwent an emergency shutdown training in VR and were randomly assigned to either a control or a stress group. The stress group experienced stressors including smoke, fire, and explosions during the familiarization and training phase. Both groups underwent a stress memory retrieval and no-stress memory retrieval condition. Participant's performance scores, fNIRS-based neural activity, and functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and motor regions were obtained for the training and retrieval phases. RESULTS: The performance scores indicate that the rate of learning was slower in the stress group compared to the control group, but both groups performed similarly during each retrieval condition. Compared to the control group, the stress group exhibited suppressed PFC activation. However, they showed stronger connectivity within the PFC regions during the training and between PFC and motor regions during the retrieval phases. DISCUSSION: While stress impaired performance during training, adoption of stress-adaptive neural strategies (i.e., stronger brain connectivity) were associated with comparable performance between the stress and the control groups during the retrieval phase.

Are first responders prepared for electric vehicle fires? A national survey.

Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) will create both opportunities and challenges. Although some programs and resources related to EVs have been made available to first responders, it remains unknown whether our first responders are well prepared for traffic incidents that involve EVs and whether there are any organizational and geographic disparities in preparedness. To answer these questions, a national survey was conducted to collect feedback on responders' incident management knowledge and training experiences related to EVs, as well as their attitudes and concerns towards EVs. Over 1000 first responders across the country participated in the survey, and the survey had representation from all 50 states and Washington DC. Over 40% of first responders reported never receiving EV-related safety training. Paramedics or EMS are associated with the highest odds of not receiving EV-related training, followed by law enforcement. Geographically, FEMA Region 8 (e.g., Montana and North Dakota) is associated with the highest percentage of not receiving EV training. Regarding EV fire tactics, more than half (57%) of law enforcement officers said they do not know any; responders from towing & recovery also have little knowledge compared to firefighters. Statistical modeling was conducted to explore correlates of responders' EV safety training and knowledge of EV fire tactics. The survey also provided insights about the challenges and risks of managing EV-involved incidents. In summary, responders are greatly concerned about the risks that EVs can pose to their community, and actions must be taken now.