The Behavioural Skills Training System (BSTS) project explores how conversational AI and virtual reality (VR) can enhance behavioural and communication training for undergraduate paramedic students. Paramedic learners need frequent, low-risk opportunities to practise de-escalation and patient interaction in high-stress scenarios. Traditional simulations are resource-intensive and often lack realism. BSTS extends a proven laptop-based prototype into an embodied VR environment, where students engage with AI-driven virtual patients that respond through voice, gesture, and movement.

The project tests flexible virtual personas that vary in tone, emotion, and resistance to create adaptive role play. It aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and scalability of simulation training, especially for regional and remote learners. Educators can supervise sessions in real time or review interactions through secure recordings and analytics, strengthening feedback loops. By merging conversational intelligence with immersive embodiment, BSTS delivers scalable, repeatable, and authentic training that builds paramedic students’ confidence, empathy, and communication competence.