2/5/2025 | 3:30 PM - 5:10 PM | Grand Peninsula D

A collaborative virtual reality environment module for active shooter response training and decision making

Author(s)

Pranav Moses | University of North Texas

Abstract

Emergency response and active shooter training drills and exercises are necessary to train for emergencies as we are unable to predict when they do occur. With continuing advancements in technology, virtual reality (VR) based training incorporates real-life experience that creates a “sense of presence” in the environment, and becomes a viable alternative to conventional based training. This paper presents a collaborative virtual reality environment (CVE) module for performing active shooter training drills using immersive and non-immersive environments. The collaborative immersive environment is implemented in Unity 3D and is based on run, hide, and fight modes for emergency response. We present two ways of modeling user behavior. First, by defining rules for AI agents. Second, by providing controls to the users-controlled agents to navigate the VR environment as autonomous agents with a keyboard/mouse or with an immersive VR headset. The user-controlled agents are able to enter the CVE and are able to respond to emergency situations like active shooter events, bomb blasts, fire and smoke. We have presented a hybrid platform where experiments for active shooter response can be conducted using AI agents and user-controlled agents. This platform can be used as a teaching and educational tool for navigation and performing VR evacuation drills for active shooter response.