Technology-Enhanced Training for Prehospital Mass-Casualty Response: A Scoping Review Protocol

Introduction Emerging technologies have significantly transformed disaster preparedness and training in healthcare, especially for prehospital responders engaged in mass casualty incidents (MCIs). As scenarios grow more complex, traditional training methods alone are insufficient for developing critical skills such as triage, decision-making, and rapid coordination under pressure. Technology-enhanced solutions such as virtual reality (VR), wearable sensors, serious games, and AI-based systems offer immersive, scalable, and repeatable training experiences. While several studies have explored these tools individually, a comprehensive synthesis is lacking to map how diverse technologies are employed in MCI-focused prehospital training. Methods This scoping review is conducted as part of the MCI-PHER project (Mass Casualty Incident – Prehospital Emergency Response), a collaborative initiative to advance disaster medicine education and prehospital preparedness. The review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework, refined by Levac et al., and adhere to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search will be conducted across databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies must describe, implement, or evaluate technological training interventions targeted at healthcare professionals or students in simulated or actual prehospital MCI settings. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection, data extraction, and quality checks, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Data will be charted using a customized extraction tool, refined through piloting five relevant studies. Results and Analysis Studies will be synthesized using a combination of descriptive and narrative approaches. Key domains will include the type of technology and training modality, learning objectives, target professional groups, instructional design models, evaluation strategies, and reported outcomes. Quantitative findings will be summarized using descriptive statistics, while qualitative results, such as user perceptions and contextual insights, will be narratively organized to reflect patterns and diversity across studies. The synthesis will identify common applications, outcome trends, implementation barriers, and evidence gaps to inform future research and practice in prehospital MCI training. Dissemination and Ethics As no human subjects are involved, ethical approval is not required. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, stakeholder briefings, and open-access platforms to inform EMS leaders, simulation educators, and health policymakers.