The hyper-realistic training manikin funded by Sheffield Hospitals Charity enables trainers to replicate life-threatening injuries and emergency situations in a fully interactive way.
It is critical that frontline trauma response teams receive specialist training so that they are prepared to care for people who have sustained multiple injuries and are in life-or-death emergency situations.
The hyper-realistic training manikin funded by Sheffield Hospitals Charity enables trainers to replicate life-threatening injuries and emergency situations in a fully interactive way.
The teams are therefore as skilled, rehearsed and prepared as possible to deliver life-saving care. A thoracotomy is the emergency opening of a patient’s chest following a severe traumatic injury, such as a stabbing, to control bleeding. It is the ultimate emergency trauma procedure performed in the emergency department. It requires expertly trained staff to come together with little notice and perform seamlessly together.
Prior to the hyper-realistic manikin, there was no way of simulating this complex and life-saving technique
Alan Hewitt, Acute and Emergency Medicine Lead Clinical Educator, said:
“We’ve put the manikins to great use since being funded by the charity. Because they look and feel highly realistic, it allows staff to practice clinical skills, teamwork and emergency procedures in a simulated environment which feels just like the real thing.
Just like pilots practice flying planes in realistic cockpits to keep passengers safe, staff can practice patient care at a high standard to keep patients safe. Staff often feedback the realism of the manikin allows them to be immersed in the scenario which didn’t happen previously as the equipment was too plastic.
Having the manikins has allowed us to launch new courses such as the REX course (Resus Excellence) which trains Emergency Department nurses in advanced care. As I write this the Trauma team are currently practicing an advanced life-saving procedure often used to save the lives of victims of knife crimes. We’re looking to expand our simulation programmes to train more staff and having this high-quality equipment will go a long way in making this successful.”
Published: Tuesday 1st of April 2025