Tec student seeks to train firefighters using virtual reality software

“I was in a fire drill that seemed poorly executed, and I came up with the crazy idea of doing it through virtual reality, to be able to address the weaknesses of conventional drills.”

This is how Cristian Cázares explains the beginning of his In Case Of project: virtual reality software that aims to facilitate the work of experts who face high risks, such as firefighters.

Through this project, he wants to create an immersive experience that allows users to be trained in how to fight a fire through sensory stimulation.

AIMING TO BENEFIT SOCIETY

In Case Of has been adapted according to the eyewitness accounts and standards provided by experts from the Sinaloa Civil Protection Department and the Culiacán Fire Department.

“The handling of the extinguisher is very realistic and it’s impressive how the virtual environment resembles a real emergency,” commented Adán Shinagawa, the Culiacán Fire Chief.

According to Cristian, the software is focused not only on teaching the use of an extinguisher, but on simulating the entire environment.

“It aims to simulate the terror of being surrounded by scorching flames, so that if users ever find themselves in an emergency, they won’t be paralyzed by fear,” he explained.

He also highlights that it will raise people’s awareness, as he believes that they underestimate the risk of fires, something which anyone can face at any time and in almost any place.

Sample video of “In Case Of” virtual reality software.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

The project participated in the Infomatrix contest, organized by the Latin American Society of Science and Technology, in which projects from different science and technology categories compete.

The project achieved the following results in the contest:

• Platinum Award at the Infomatrix Pacífico contest, held in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, in 2019.
• International Gold Award at the Infomatrix World Finals, held in Bucharest, Romania, in 2019.

THE BEGINNINGS OF A PASSION

Cristian Cázares hails from Culiacán, Sinaloa and has been very interested in the world of computers and technology since he was a kid.

He is also passionate about music, having belonged to the Esperanza Azteca Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra for several years as lead trumpet player, and has experience as a conductor of ensembles and choirs.

During high school, he also gave science and technology classes to children as young as six and supported a trio of students in reaching an intercontinental contest in Ecuador.

Right now, Cristian is a freshman at Tec de Monterrey’s Sinaloa campus, and was the recipient of a Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship.

This scholarship provides 100% support to talented students with limited economic resources, so they can study their degree at Tec de Monterrey.

Regarding the process of becoming a “Leader of Tomorrow”, he stressed that each step of his education gave him the skills necessary to allow the young man he has become to follow his dreams.

“I had moments of insecurity about my abilities because there are many requirements, but I ignored those feelings and kept going. As they say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get,” shared Cristian about the process.

FUTURE PLANS

Regarding his start at university, he highlighted feeling a bit of uncertainty when beginning to study online, but stressed he felt motivated to start.

“I’m determined enough to face all the challenges that will come, and to take advantage of all the opportunities to unleash my full potential,” said the student.

Likewise, on the subject of the In Case Of project, he commented that it has not come to an end, as he considers that fighting fires is only the first phase.

“The ultimate goal is to create a whole gallery of drills for both natural and non-natural emergencies, as well as developing strategies to make it an accessible tool,” Cristian confirmed.

Cosme Escobar, the manager of scholarships and educational credits at the Sinaloa campus, shared high expectations for Cristian’s development as a professional.

“I’m confident that he will take advantage of everything we offer as an institution, and I know that once he graduates, he will continue developing his project. It will be an example for future generations to follow,” said Cosme.

Finally, Cristian recommended that young people seek not only to profit from what they are passionate about, but that they use their passions for the benefit of others, too.

“How about developing a strategy to help others by doing what we are passionate about? In my case, it was software development, but it could be singing, dancing, sports, public speaking, math, video games, or anything else,” he concluded.

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