Simulations for Augmented Reality Evaluation for Mass Casualty Incident Triage

2026-01-13

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenge of safely and effectively evaluating novel assistive technologies—such as augmented reality (AR)—in high-risk mass casualty incident (MCI) response scenarios, where real-world assessment is inherently hazardous. To bridge the gap between virtual training and field deployment, this work proposes a progressive simulation-based evaluation framework that integrates tabletop exercises with immersive drills to systematically validate AR’s utility in MCI triage. This approach represents the first application of progressive simulation for verifying AR systems in high-stakes emergency contexts, offering a scalable and secure methodology that fills a critical evaluation void. The resulting framework provides a structured, reliable pathway for future validation and deployment of AR tools in actual MCI response operations.

Technology Category

• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Simulating Human Behavior
• Multiagent Systems: Agent-Based Simulation and Emergent Behavior
• Search and Optimization: Sampling/Simulation-based Search

Application Category

• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health

Abstract

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) are a high-risk, sensitive domain with profound implications for patient and responder safety. Augmented reality has shown promise as an assistive tool for high-stress work domains and MCI triage both in the field and for pre-field training. However, the vulnerability of MCIs makes it challenging to evaluate new tools designed to enhance MCI response. In other words, profound evolutions like the integration of augmented reality into field response require thorough proof-of-concept evaluations before being launched into real-world response. This paper describes two progressive simulation strategies for augmented reality that bridge the gap between computer-based simulation and actual field response.

Problem

• mass casualty incident
• augmented reality
• triage
• simulation
• evaluation

Innovation

• augmented reality
• mass casualty incident
• simulation
• triage
• evaluation framework