About the project
VR technologies for Mountain Rescue Brigades to assure seniors and people with disabilities safety in cross - border mountain areas
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project no.: 2023-2-PL01-KA220-VET-000180250
Programme: Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training
Project implementation period: 01.03.2024 - 28.02.2026
Project value: 250 000,00 €
Partners:
- WSB University (Leader)
- European Center of Entrepreneurship Competence & Excellence (Austria)
- Mesto Cadca (Municipality Cadca) (Slovakia)
- Institut EuroSchola, z.u. (Czech Republic)
Research team leader: Ryszard Szynowski, Ph.D., Professor AWSB
RESCUER brought together expertise in health sciences, mountain safety and digital technologies to develop training resources addressing the needs of older people and people with disabilities in mountain environments. Coordinated by WSB University, the project connected partners from Poland, Austria, Czechia and Slovakia.
Research-informed development
The development process began with research into the needs and experiences of older people, people with disabilities, mountain guides and rescue services. Their perspectives informed the design of training scenarios and educational materials.
The approach considered the entire journey: planning an excursion, reaching the destination, participating in activities, obtaining assistance and returning safely. This “chain of accessibility” connected individual needs with the practical and organisational conditions of mountain tourism.
WSB University coordinated the research and development activities, bringing together knowledge of accessibility, health and safety with the design of digital learning tools.
Learning through virtual scenarios
The project developed a VR training course comprising four scenarios available in Polish, Czech, Slovak, German and English. The scenarios enable users to explore situations involving different needs and limitations, practise decision-making and consider appropriate ways of providing assistance.
The RESCUER application combines educational information with interactive simulations. Its resources include guidance on trip planning, equipment preparation and first aid, while the simulations provide feedback on decisions made in the virtual environment.
Accessibility and user testing
The resources were tested with prospective users, with particular attention to the clarity and accessibility of information. Research presented at ICTEAT 2025 combined text readability assessment with analysis of graphical content and accessibility indicators.
In a study involving 130 people connected with mountain tourism, more than 98% of respondents rated the application’s content as clear and easy to understand. These findings informed the assessment of the learning resources and their suitability for different users.
Resources for continued use
The application, training scenarios and supporting materials remain available to mountain rescuers, guides, caregivers and organisations working with older people and people with disabilities. They provide a practical foundation for training that takes account of diverse needs and encourages accessible participation in mountain activities.
Results:
- VR (Virtual Reality) course based on 4 different scenarios in 5 languages (PL, SK, CZR, GE, EN)
- 100 Mountain Rescuers and special entitles trained with VR course.
