Time Consuming Setup
Recently there have been great advances in simulation technology, but most training is conducted using basic non-invasive training aids attached to a role player or manikin using static moulage injuries, applied over the clothing or adhered to the skin and augmented with makeup to increase realism.
Drawbacks of existing training aids:
- Makeup application is time consuming, messy and usually distorted after the first bandage is applied.
- Injuries applied with adhesives cannot be transferred between students and may agitate skin.
- Kits utilizing straps may struggle to stay in place or become snagged in active environments.
- Often requires one or more persons to create & apply injuries.
Limited Application Sites
Due to the nature and design of existing training aids most injury application sites are limited to the head, neck, arms, and lower legs. Avoiding the torso does not match realistic wounding patterns, but is of help to the role player, that may not be comfortable exposing sensitive areas of their body for evaluation and treatment.
Shortcomings of readily available kits:
- Wounds designed to attach to specific parts of a limb, restricting relocation of basic injuries.
- Inconvenient methods of attachment requiring users to remove articles of clothing.
- Artificial blood delivery systems can decrease patient mobility and require additional components.
- Wounds over clothing detract from situational realism.
Simulation Manikin Attire
Simulations manikins can range from inanimate to fully automated, designed to replicate wounding of the 11 major organ systems. Expensive training aids may have fabricated tissue and organs or life-like physiological responses operated through electronics. These manikins are often used in scenarios without attire.
There are couple reasons for this:
- Additional overhead costs replacing articles of clothing damaged during instruction.
- Lost time between scenarios replacing or reapplying garment arrangements removed for accessing patient.
- Injuries applied to manikins with adhesives may damage the training dummy or may not be compatible.
- There is no other system available on the market for this type of training.