Mannequins for medical training range from basic CPR models to advanced full-body mannequins for ACL training. They simulate real-life scenarios and provide feedback on compression rates and hand placement. Advanced models can simulate different body builds and receive doses and blood pressure.
There are several types of mannequins used for medical training in situations from cardiac arrest to extreme trauma resulting from an accident. Manikins made specifically for basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training are usually head and torso only for adult models, although advanced CPR manikins are usually full body manikins. Most adult CPR manikins are male, but obese male and female manikins are also available. Child mannequins are usually full body and child mannequins almost always are.
Basic CPR manikins have airways that open when the head tilt/chin lift portion of CPR is performed correctly. When air is sucked in through the mouth, the chest rises noticeably. Just like in a real person, the xiphoid process at the bottom of the sternum can be felt to ensure proper hand placement for chest compressions. Some models have an audible click when the compression pressure is correct.
Slightly more complex models have a rate monitor that provides immediate feedback on the compression rate being performed; instructors and students receive feedback. Another type of feedback on some brands of CPR manikins uses the concept of traffic lights. When the number of compressions reaches 60, a red light appears as a sign that compressions need to be faster. A yellow light appears when there are 80 compressions per minute. When the number of compressions reaches 100 per minute, the light changes to green to encourage the person to continue.
More complex CPR dummies can also be used to train for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACL). This level of life support includes not only chest compressions and ventilation, but also endotracheal intubation, electrical defibrillation, and intravenous fluids and medications. Advanced CPR manikins are usually full body, even for adult manikins. These mannequins allow practice in all of these roles.
Additional features for these advanced full-body CPR manikins include adjustable chest stiffness to simulate different body builds, flexible defibrillator pads, and mouth, nose, and throat that allow for intubation with standard tubes. These mannequins can also receive doses and blood pressure. Each manufacturer has its own software to program a variety of health scenarios into the manikin, giving the opportunity to train for almost any type of illness or trauma.
Great care has been taken to make these mannequins as realistic as possible. Trunk dummies are more limited to keep costs down. Even these have skin that looks quite real. Advanced mannequins can have a programmable blink rate, pupil size and reaction time; they might cry real tears and their skin might even turn bluish or pale. All these things and other features make it quite realistic to “treat” the dummy, and therefore it is easier to transfer these skills to the treatment of a living person.
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