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Over the last two years, we built, evaluated, and published a volumetric communication system for volumetric-based training and assistantship of medical personnel. Technical aspects of the system have been published at HICCS conference. In this paper, we discuss a follow-up work: the design and evaluation of a mixed reality real-time communication system for remote assistance during CPR emergencies. Our system allows an expert to guide a first responder, remotely, on how to give first aid. RGBD cameras capture a volumetric view of the local scene including the patient, the first responder, and the environment. The volumetric capture is augmented onto the remote expert's view to spatially guide the first responder using visual and verbal instructions. We evaluate the mixed reality communication system in a research study in which participants face a simulated emergency. The first responder moves the patient to the recovery position and performs chest compressions as well as mouth-to-mask ventilation. Our study compares mixed reality against videoconferencing-based assistance using CPR performance measures, cognitive workload surveys, and semi-structured interviews. We find that more visual communication including gestures and objects is used by the remote expert when assisting in mixed reality compared to videoconferencing. Moreover, the performance and the workload of the first responder during simulation do not differ significantly between the two technologies. 

We present our work in progress, a real-time mixed reality communication system for remote assistance in medical emergency situations. 3D cameras capture the emergency situation and send volumetric data to a remote expert. The remote expert sees the volumetric scene through mixed reality glasses and guides an operator to the patient. The local operator receives audio and visual guidance augmented onto the mixed reality headset. We compare the mixed reality system against traditional video communication in a user study on a CPR emergency simulation. We evaluate task performance, cognitive load, and user interaction. The results will help to better understand the benefits of using augmented and volumetric information in medical emergency procedures.