In order to use eye tracking and Point of Regard (POR) analysis in the demanding environment of live fire training we developed new equipment that is smaller, lighter, less obtrusive, and more robust than previous systems. QFRS and NSWFB Incident controllers wore the POR equipment during a variety of live fire training scenarios. POR analysis provided an objective record of events that was often strikingly different from the subjective recollections of participants. Additional insight into the actions and strategies employed by subjects was also revealed.
Recent developments allow immediate and real time processing of the POR video, and it is hoped that future studies will utilise this new technology to investigate whether these videos aid in the post-incident debriefing of emergency service personnel.

Contact person for this study: Dr Hamish MacDougall