Launch of 'Heatstroke Countermeasures VR': FACEDUO's New Program to Prevent Serious Symptoms in Elderly via Immersive Simulation

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Jolly Good Inc. will begin offering 'Heatstroke Countermeasures VR,' a new program within their joint VR training business 'FACEDUO,' on May 26. This program is intended for use by local governments, medical institutions, and corporations in seminars for the general public to contribute to heatstroke prevention among the elderly.

Heatstroke is a common health risk occurring in hot and humid environments, and the elderly account for approximately 60% of emergency transport cases. They are prone to developing severe symptoms, often without self-awareness, due to a decreased ability to sense heat or thirst. Therefore, there is an urgent need for measures that go beyond simple knowledge dissemination to foster self-awareness and early action.

Developed using Otsuka Pharmaceutical's 30+ years of expertise in heatstroke prevention, the program consists of two 12-minute modules:

1. 'Understanding the Signs' Module
This module uses time-reversal techniques to trace symptoms from severe to mild stages. Users experience fatigue and dizziness from the perspective of a patient, learning to recognize 'signs' and understand the initial responses required at each stage.

2. 'Heatstroke Measures Changing with Age' Module
Set in the daily life of a person living alone, this module highlights the gap between subjective feelings ('I'm not hot') and actual physical conditions. It covers environmental risks at home and psychological resistance to using air conditioning.

Medical Supervision Statement:
Prof. Masashi Yokobori from Nippon Medical School Graduate School emphasizes that while heatstroke risks are rising due to climate change, the foundation of prevention lies in individual behavioral change. VR provides a tangible sense of danger that words alone cannot convey, encouraging early intervention.