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Mannequin helps train Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Medical Group here received the Human Patient Simulator and the Trauma Disaster Casualty Kit from Medical Education Technologies, Inc. in May 2007, and since then, it has taken the learning process to the next level for medical personnel on Tyndall.
"The new training mannequin helps ensure our Airmen train as we fight," said Staff Sgt. Angela Alveo-Forbes, 325th Medical Group education and training instructor.

This piece of equipment will help eliminate the "training factor," meaning students will be able to train as they fight and actually learn how to do a skill instead of simply reciting it.

"When doing patient assessments, we use all five senses," said Capt. Tony McClung, 325th Medical Group element leader. "The mannequin allows our students not only to see a wound, but to feel, smell and hear which makes training more realistic."

The mannequin can be used for any medical scenario.

The Clinic will utilize it most for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Self-Aid and Buddy Care training, war-time readiness skills and Emergency Medical Technician refresher classes, said Captain McClung.

Based on an intricate combination of electronic controls, hydraulic mechanisms and pneumatic air pressure, the Trauma Disaster Casualty Kit brings the simulation session to life. Real-life reactions such as exposure to chemicals or major trauma can be simulated right down to the very last detail, according to Medical Education Technologies, Inc., which markets the equipment.

Some features of the TDCK are its six venous bleeding sites that produce a constant flow of blood, and its six arterial bleeding sites that produce a pulsating flow of blood, which affects the heart rate of the simulated patient. Also, the ears, eyes and mouth on the mannequin can excrete artificial blood, clear fluid or mucus, states METI.

Watering eyes and other various secretions add to the realism of patient reaction. Combined with the use of a Moulage Kit, simulated injuries such as large open wounds and severed limbs can be made realistic to more medical personnel during training.

The Moulage Kit includes three parts: the bleeding strap-on wounds, non-bleeding simulated wounds and the make-up accessories.

Bleeding strap-on wounds include: jaw wound, abdominal wound with protruding intestines, sucking wound of the chest, compound fracture of the upper arms, compound fracture of the upper legs, laceration of the forehead, leg amputation, compound fracture of the lower leg and gunshot wound of palm.

Non-bleeding simulated wounds include: phosphorus burn of the hand, face in shock, first, second and third degree burns of the face, chest, back, hand and forearm.

The HPS generates a heart beat, and it can also blink and speak. The simulated tears, mucous and blood are produced using sterile water; however, red food coloring is added to the blood for affect, said Sergeant Alveo-Forbes.

The 325th Medical Group currently has one HPS.

"We have only had the mannequin for a short time, but it is definitely a great education and training asset," said Sergeant Alveo-Forbes.