The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD provides its virtual training tool Machine@Hand for the training of volunteer paramedics. Similar to pilot training in flight simulators, the goal is for every trainee at the DRK Herford-Stadt district association to have completed a certain number of hours in the ambulance simulator, until they know instinctively which drawer to open in which situation. This is intended not only to ensure confidence in action during emergencies, but also to make training less time-consuming, especially by eliminating travel to a central training location. In the long term, the total training time of up to 800 hours can thus be reduced. This is an important step toward making volunteer work more attractive, since what many people do not realize is that 80 to 90 percent of paramedics are volunteers. This is one of the reasons why Thomas Pilz, volunteer digitalization officer at the DRK district association, wants to advance new training methods: “What drives us is the vision of training people in a way that fits today’s lifestyle.” Another advantage of virtual training is that an ambulance does not need to be available for every exercise.

The LEARNTEC trade fair in Karlsruhe is the international trade fair and congress for professional education, learning, and IT. Exhibitors at LEARNTEC Karlsruhe present the future of learning as well as current e-learning solutions for use in companies or educational institutions. Newcomers and experts in e-learning and knowledge management will find suitable products, applications, and services tailored to their individual needs. Both the congress and the trade fair present and discuss the latest developments, key learning trends, and essential insights from the industry. The extensive congress program also features engaging lectures and interactive workshops on the latest trends and developments in the education sector. In addition, the trade fair program offers daily talks and workshops across five forums: Trend Forum, User Forum, Industry Forum, School Forum, and Start-up Forum. The supporting program at LEARNTEC Karlsruhe also includes presentations by competent partners and exhibitors on current developments in digital education in schools, universities, and professional training.