Design game-based learning system to facilitate elementary students in recognizing and reporting emergencies

The universal emergency number in the United States is "911," offering quick and straightforward access to a public safety answering point. However, a study conducted by Aswell (2022) revealed that approximately 91% of elementary school children struggle to recognize and report emergencies effectively through 911. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the factors hindering children's ability to recognize and report emergencies while also proposing educational solutions to address this issue. To achieve this, I conducted user research to identify factors impeding children's emergency recognition and strategies that support emergency education. In particular, I interviewed elementary school teachers, first responders (police, firefighters, and EMS officers), parents, and public safety answering point officers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the gathered information. The findings from thematic analysis were then used to conceptualize the design and development of a game-based learning system called Emergency Heroes.