The Faculty of Medicine at Ulm University is introducing an innovative training method for medical students in the form of a virtual shock room. In collaboration with the Ulm-based company TriCAT, a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment has been created that faithfully reproduces the real training shock room at the TTU training hospital. Students can practise emergency situations, train treatment procedures and hone their teamwork and decision-making skills from anywhere and at any time.

The VR simulation includes a 3D replica of a trauma room with medical equipment and virtual avatars representing the team. Tutors follow the exercises on large screens and provide targeted feedback. Students simulate scenarios such as treating a motorcyclist who has had an accident and learn how to act effectively under stress. Mistakes are deliberately allowed in order to promote the learning curve.

Two 90-minute VR sessions have been an integral part of the curriculum since the 2025 summer semester. The new learning environment complements the training hospital’s existing offering and combines traditional and digital teaching methods to train competent and empathetic doctors. The development, which took three years, was initiated by the Competence Center for eEducation in Medicine and funded with 70,000 euros from the “Sonderlinie Medizin” of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

The Ulm-based software company TriCAT, which specializes in virtual learning environments, implemented the project. The virtual shock room is considered unique and sets new standards in digital medical didactics. A particular advantage is that more students can practise rare emergencies that can hardly be practised in reality, which increases their safety and competence. Ulm University is thus positioning itself as a pioneer in the digitalization of medical education and is using state-of-the-art technologies such as VR and AI to make teaching future-oriented.

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Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided for the sake of better readability ected.