Background
Suicide is a deeply traumatic event with widespread consequences. For rail operators, these include not only the personal tragedy and mental health impacts on train crew, station staff, and customers but also significant disruptions and costs. Australian data reveal that over 80% of rail-related fatalities in recent years were due to suicide, and on the Sydney Trains network, approximately 80% of these incidents occur at stations.
Research indicates that suicidal behaviours can be detected early, offering a critical 15–30 minute window where individuals may be open to intervention. A recent study highlights the power of bystanders, showing that without their intervention, suicide rates on the NSW rail network could have been 73% higher (Viet Ngo et al, 2020). In this context, training station staff to recognise and respond to these behaviours becomes a crucial part of collective action to prevent suicide.
Virtual Reality (VR) provides a powerful tool for this purpose, offering realistic, controlled scenarios where staff can safely acquire and practice skills without the constraints of real-world training. This approach not only ensures personal safety and confidence but also builds a shared culture of preparedness and resilience in the face of these difficult situations.
Method
Human Factors Specialists designed a VR training tool for station staff, drawing on local and international research, interviews with subject matter experts, and analysis of real-world incidents. The training module simulates a realistic railway station environment, where participants assess male and female avatars exhibiting “low risk” and “high risk” behaviours. Participants identify potential high-risk individuals through a detailed behaviour list, fostering critical skills in a controlled, safe setting. This collaborative effort combines advanced technology with evidence-based insights, underscoring the importance of working together to confront this shared challenge.
Results
Pilot testing of the VR model revealed a high level of accurate risk detection and strong agreement among participants. Feedback from both participants and stakeholders highlighted the system’s usability and potential as a forward-thinking training solution for suicide prevention. This innovative VR tool represents a proactive step in empowering station staff to intervene effectively and collaboratively, as we work together to reduce lives lost to suicide.