Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the global pandemic of 2020, there has been an increased focus on disaster and crisis preparedness. Emergency response personnel, health professionals, and their support staff may not be adequately prepared for a disaster or crisis relief. Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology simulations have the potential to teach complex cognitive skills in an engaging way and at relatively low costs. The purpose of this generic qualitative inquiry was to discover how participants perceive the results of using virtual or augmented simulation methods for training of emergency response personnel. By using a modified activity analysis and development (ActAd) model derived from the activity theory, a broad spectrum of VR/AR, career fields, disciplines, and first response-type organizations were studied. The intent was to explore, compare, and contrast the differences between traditional training modalities and virtual simulation training for emergency, crisis, and disaster response professionals. A 48-question survey was designed, field-tested, and deployed to capture 10 participant views, feelings, and perspectives from their experience with virtual or augmented simulation for training and education in their workplace. The findings of this study provide guidance on perceptions that emergency, disaster, and rescue personnel have for the use of virtual training solutions. The study concludes that participants believe virtual simulation training experiences provide opportunities for increased skill acquisition and knowledge retention as compared with other training modalities. Learning motivation within a more social context was also observed with virtual simulation training. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]