Airway management virtual reality (VR) training systems and methods are provided, which use relatively simple and passive physical patient models to train users in performing airway management procedures. Patient models may include a respiratory tract, a moveable head and an openable jaw, which are anatomically realistic; and electromagnetic sensors that measure the movements of parts of the physical model and movement of tools used to handle the model. The parameters of the medical procedure being performed are sensed, tracked and displayed, providing the trainee with a continuous, detailed and coherent VR representation of the training situation in a realistic scene, utilizing and modifying a sensors' hierarchy to focus the VR representation on key features of the training and to yield interactivity of the VR patient and assessment of the trainee's performance.