Virtual reality training: Preparing for the autopsy room environment
A major human challenge
Entering an autopsy room is a considerable emotional and sensory challenge for many people. Whether they are judges, solicitors, family members or other legal professionals, confrontation with this particular environment frequently provokes intense physical reactions: fainting, nausea and vomiting are commonplace during initial visits.
Our collaboration with the Lyon forensic science department
In light of this, we have developed an innovative solution in collaboration with the Lyon forensic science department. The aim is to create a virtual reality training experience that allows those involved to gradually acclimatise to the autopsy room environment before their first real visit.
The decisive contribution of our olfactory technology
The olfactory dimension is the key element of this training. Thanks to our diffusion technology, two types of odours are diffused in a controlled manner:
- The smell of dead bodies: Faithful reproduction of the characteristic smell present in these environments.
- Cleaning products: Smells of disinfectants and chemicals used for hygiene purposes.
The importance of smell in preparation
This approach is based on a fundamental scientific fact: the sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, the centre of our emotions and memory. By gradually exposing users to the characteristic smells of autopsy rooms in a safe virtual environment, our solution allows for prior adaptation, which significantly limits stress reactions during the actual visit.
Promising results
This revolutionary training programme represents a major step forward in preparing legal professionals and families. By reducing the traumatic impact of initial exposure to this particular environment, it enables those involved to approach this necessary stage with greater peace of mind and dignity.
This pilot project with the Lyon forensic science department paves the way for numerous applications in the field of professional training and psychological preparation. It demonstrates the immense potential of virtual reality enriched by smell to prepare individuals for environments with intense sensory overload.