Triage Trainer (a creation of Blitz Games) is a virtual world that tests paramedics abilities to deal with real world situations in a much safer environment than the field.

Triage Trainer

Think of it as what it would be like to be on the bad end of a scene GTA IV. You are a paramedic, placed at the scene of an explosion — your job is to correctly prioritize treatment for multiple victims, and do your best to minimize loss of life.

Other than the obvious economic benefits, these types of ’serious games’ are gaining favor because they are more accessible to your average learner than the more abstract simulations that have been typically used. Instead of needing to come into a classroom, or take part in a complex (and often expensive) in-house simulation, using these software based systems you can refine basic skills from anywhere where you have access to a computer.

Researchers at Coventry University see virtual learning as big business. They believe that demand for virtual learning environments could be worth as much as $1 Billion dollars.

Triage Trainer is only one facet in the convergence between virtual worlds and reality. It will be interesting to see what applications are developed as more of these ’serious games’ start hitting the market.