Immersive technologies and digital games

Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies across the world contribute to disaster risk reduction and preparedness in public schools. Typical school-based activities include disaster risk reduction, first aid, hygiene, health promotion, road safety and water sanitation. The activities are part of a series of actions included under the Comprehensive School Safety Framework, as defined by the UNISDR, for example, disaster awareness raising activities, disaster drills / simulations, and training. Given the potential for extended reality (XR) in the field of emergency management and disaster preparedness, the GDPC presents a research paper to explore the benefits of implementing XR in these activities combining traditional approaches. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is increasingly using immersive technologies for a range of aims, including building empathy, fundraising, awareness raising and behaviour change; which are included as case studies. The goal of the research is to provide information and options to all organisations globally interested in pursuing immersive technologies and serious gaming as a disaster preparedness educational tools for schools.