UON Port Macquarie campus students Grace Williams and Caitie Prior have both been using the technology which was designed as a collaboration between UON’s School of Nursing & Midwifery and Innovation Team.

During the virtual reality scenario the students can view and interact with the resuscitare with the baby on it, view monitors and the draws which contain equipment to carry out the procedure. 

Ms Prior said the experience is so life-like the father of the child is present in the room while the situation is being carried out. 

One scenario Ms Williams said requires the students to get all the equipment ready as the baby is being born. 

“It requires you to act quickly and get everything in order before the infant arrives,” she said. 

The students are accessed on the time it takes them to carry out each of the stages of the emergency scenario. 

“With the resuscitation guidelines you have got 30 seconds for each step,” Ms Prior said. 

The technology also tests the students on their communication skills with other hospital staff and family members who enter the environment. 

Ms Williams said it is a high pressure situation even though it’s virtual reality. 

“You can’t see anything else except for that scenario,” she said. 

The students said the technology was beneficial in helping to bridge the gap between the classroom and the emergency room.

UON midwifery lecturer and co-project leader Jessica Williams said a virtual representation of a common but critical practice was key in ensuring graduates excel in the workplace.

“It is imperative our students feel comfortable and confident applying their experience in a time critical emergency environment,” she said.