Introduction: Disaster triage is an essential competency for paramedics, demanding quick and accurate decision-making in high-pressure environments. Traditional training methods, such as lectures and tabletop exercises (TTx), may not fully replicate the intensity required to build these skills. Virtual reality (VR) presents a novel solution, offering realistic and interactive simulations within a controlled environment. Methods: A randomized study was conducted with paramedic students (n=83) at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, divided into traditional (lecture + TTx, n=41) and VR-based (lecture + VR-SSST, n=42) training groups. Both groups received identical lectures, followed by their respective practice methods. Knowledge was assessed through pre- and post-tests covering memory, comprehension, application, and analysis domains. Motivation was measured using the ARCS model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction). Results: Both groups showed significant post-test knowledge improvement. The VR group outperformed in all ARCS dimensions: attention (4.78 vs. 4.17, p<0.001), relevance (4.79 vs. 4.37, p<0.001), confidence (4.74 vs. 4.24, p<0.001), and satisfaction (4.71 vs. 4.34, p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that VR-based disaster triage training enhances motivation more effectively than traditional methods, while both approaches are effective for knowledge acquisition in paramedic students.
Kritsada Chumvanichaya (Sun,) studied this question.