HapMed: Application of Haptics for Combat Medic Training

The envisioned Phase II HapMed training system combines game-based simulation and haptic technologies to support pedagogically sound 91W10 skills training and practice. HapMed was designed to be responsive to the need to support 91W10 sustainment training and builds on Phase I efforts - a cognitive task analysis identifying important cues, decisions, and strategies for performance of three key 91W10 tasks; technology analysis identifying and leveraging state-of-the-art haptic technologies; and training system design work. Our Phase II approach combines the design and implementation of instruction (extending the Phase I findings; identification of instructor requirements; development of training encompassing information, demonstration, practice and feedback), usability (evaluation of haptics training value and user interfaces), and technological innovations (development of prototype haptics plug-ins to support the three tasks). The HapMed training approach and architecture is extensible to support initial and transition training across field and classroom settings, as well as additional MOSs. The resulting system will be a SCORM conformant computer-based training system combined with haptic ‘plug-in’ mannequin-like body parts. CHI Systems, Inc. and UCF’s Institute for Simulation and Training are uniquely positioned to succeed in the innovative integration of haptic technology and theoretically grounded game-based training to realize the HapMed vision.