# VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC)

> Virtual reality simulation game for advanced airway management training. (iPhone/iPad app by US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vha-difficult-airway-daarc/id1372294596 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)](https://appshunter.io/developer/430646305)
- Category: Games
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.33/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 327 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2018-06-18
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vha-difficult-airway-daarc/id1372294596/reviews.md

## What is VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC)?

DAARC emphasizes the use of the percutaneous cricothyrotomy technique during failed airway scenarios in virtual operating rooms, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and in any location physicians practice Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). DAARC as an educational program is a novel composite of a Virtual Avatar Game-based Learning System with Simulation Mannequin-based Task Trainer activities designed to help reduce patient morbidity and mortality associated with difficult and lost airways.

## Key features

- Virtual operating room simulation
- Emergency room scenarios
- Intensive care unit training
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Percutaneous cricothyrotomy technique
- Game-based learning system

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vha-difficult-airway-daarc/id1372294596/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Where’s the fiberoptic?

*2022-03-04, version 1.0*

As a wannabe nurse, I feel like this game is a great way to practice my diffuser airway skills. However, the fiber optic airway feels like forever to show up. If it does show up. You can’t beat the faith case without a fiber optic I think so it would at least help if you can put a timer on how soon the Fiberoptic gets there, like the apnea timer. I actually tried waiting for the fiberoptic once and by the time I was forced to intubate at 70% spo2, it wasn’t there to help me.

### 5/5 — VHA Difficult Airway DAARC

*2018-12-30, version 1.0*

Overall great idea and thank you for making it available.  The app was the answer to finally getting to do the simulation step 3 of the course.  Unfortunately, I had great technical difficulties getting the cricothyrotomy procedure done in time before failing because it’s not responding to multiple taps or presses over the neck to ID the anatomical landmarks.  So, it keeps failing me and sending me back to do the practice scenarios!!!   Very frustrating. I’ve tried this app on my iPhone and iPad... please address this ASAP.
After much perseverance, I successfully got the taps to work over the neck in time and passed!
Anyone taking this that had trouble on their computer because if the Unity webplayer download problems (Mac or PC), this is your savior.  Please be sure you have a VHA training account made before doing this step 3 of the course via the app.  Again, this app was the secret to be able to take the simulation!  I wish I knew that first!!! After you finish the simulation on this app, go back to the VA training site for the course and do the evaluation, they automatically know you took the simulation part of the course, passed, and you can print your ACGME 6 credits certificate of completion.

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. As designed and approved by VHA Healthcare Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) the App development underwent detail reviews and testing resulting in no navigational findings and/or issues. It’s obvious you were able to successfully navigate through this complex medical app. Again thank you for the feedback and taking the time to use this training app.

## Frequently asked questions about VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC)

### What is VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) used for?

VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) is an educational game designed to train physicians in percutaneous cricothyrotomy techniques for managing difficult airway scenarios in virtual operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units.

### What medical scenarios does VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) cover?

The game covers virtual operating rooms, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and any location where physicians practice Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

### What is the goal of VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC)?

The primary goal is to help reduce patient morbidity and mortality associated with difficult and lost airways by enhancing physician skills through simulation.

### What devices does VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) support?

VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### What is the age rating for VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC)?

VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) has an age rating of 17+, indicating it is intended for mature audiences.

### How often is VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) updated?

The latest version, 3.0, was last updated on October 28, 2022. The app was initially released on June 18, 2018.

### Does VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) have ads?

No, VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) does not contain advertisements.

### What is the user rating for VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC)?

VHA Difficult Airway (DAARC) has an average rating of 3.3 stars based on 6 user ratings.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 3.0 — 2022-10-28

TheDifficult Airway Algorithm & Rescue Cricothyrotomy (DAARC)  interactive web-based content upgrade uses a new innovated Gaming packaging strategy along with revised High-fidelity graphics which improves learners experience.

### 1.0 — 2018-06-01

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

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All apps by US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): https://appshunter.io/developer/430646305

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*