MODEL PATIENTS: In the world of human patients, war veterans from the National Guard recently helped develop a life-like, human simulator for medics in-training. It simulates speech, respiration, and blood loss, mimicking injuries sustained on the battlefield--up to 72,000 different physiological situations. While someone speaks for the simulator from the control room, medics assume their life support roles, including supplying oxygen and administering fluids. Training staff have the ability to alter vital signs based on the type of injury or the quality of care. Like the canine mannequin, the simulators are designed to train first responders for medical emergencies they might encounter in combat situations. They offer the opportunity to practice techniques in a no-consequence environment, while adding a measure of intensity to the session with the addition of a voice and a system to accept injections, among other features. The system is capable of mimicking more than 72,000 human physiological responses.
MANIKIN VS. MANNEQUIN: Though not everyone agrees, and these words are often used synonymously, these two words are used to signify different objects. A mannequin was originally used to describe an articulated artist's model, the wooden type with working joints that one might use as a guide for drawing. It's also commonly used to describe the models used in stores to display clothing. Manikin, on the other hand, once referred to men shorter than five feet tall, and has been adopted by the medical supply industry to describe models used in medical training, such as for CPR.