Seoul Asan Hospital Introduces Korea's First VR-Based Non-Face-to-Face Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Seoul Asan Medical Center announced on the 14th that it has introduced the country's first cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulation program using virtual reality (VR) technology to provide effective CPR training amid restrictions on face-to-face education due to infectious disease outbreaks.

When witnessing an acute cardiac arrest, CPR must be started within 4 minutes. However, if one has not consistently received training, it is difficult for the body to respond immediately.

By using VR technology to repeatedly train CPR in a virtual emergency situation similar to reality, it is possible not only to save the patient's life but also to prevent brain damage in acute cardiac arrest situations that can occur anytime and anywhere.

Seoul Asan Medical Center, which treats the largest number of critically ill patients in Korea, has been conducting regular CPR training for all staff to ensure prompt response in cardiac arrest situations.

Until now, CPR training involved multiple learners gathering to listen to an instructor's explanation while practicing. The newly introduced VR CPR training involves individuals wearing a VR headset (HMD·Head Mounted Display) and receiving one-on-one instruction from an AI instructor on the screen.

Inside the virtual reality, learners make eye contact with the AI instructor and receive guidance on CPR methods such as checking consciousness, requesting help, checking breathing, chest compressions, and using an automated external defibrillator. If the learner does not concentrate during practice, fails to make eye contact with bystanders when requesting help, or does not sufficiently tap the shoulder, violating CPR guidelines, the AI instructor immediately provides feedback.

The mannequin is equipped with precision sensors that display the depth and speed of chest compressions in real time on the screen. Learners can check this and immediately correct any deficiencies. Repetitive practice is also possible until passing.

Hong Sang-beom, Director of the Simulation Center at Seoul Asan Medical Center and Professor of Respiratory Medicine, said, “Seoul Asan Medical Center is proactively responding to infectious disease outbreaks and changes in the educational environment by actively utilizing advanced information and communication technologies such as virtual reality in staff training. Through VR technology, we can improve staff emergency response capabilities, thereby not only saving patients' lives but also enhancing the safety of families and local communities.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.