Bariatric Manikins Ensure Safe Extrication of Larger Patients

The Need for Bariatric Manikins in Extrication Training

As obesity rates continue to rise globally, first responders are facing new challenges when responding to emergencies involving larger patients. Bariatric patients, defined as those with a BMI over 30, require special equipment and handling techniques during extrication from vehicles or buildings.

Unique Risks of Bariatric Extrication

Due to their increased weight and size, safely removing bariatric patients poses risks including:

• Placing dangerous strain on rescuers' backs
• Causing further injury to the patient
• Damaging regular extrication equipment not rated for heavy loads

Without proper bariatric training with realistic manikins, first responders may resort to unsafe maneuvers when facing real-world bariatric incidents.

Introducing the Bariatric Extrication Manikin

Bariatric manikins provide a safe and realistic training solution to prepare first responders for the unique requirements of handling larger patients. Quality bariatric manikins possess features including:

Adjustable Weight

High-end bariatric manikins allow you to fill them with water to reach weights over 200kg/440lbs, simulating the challenge of moving an obese patient.

Durable Construction

Bariatric manikins are reinforced to handle repeated use in extrication drills without leaking or breaking.

Anatomically Correct

The manikin’s proportions mimic the reality of dealing with obese patients vs average-sized dummies.

Specialized Bariatric Extrication Techniques

Quality bariatric extrication training shows emergency crews how to safely perform techniques adapted for larger bodies, including:

Two-Stage Removal

A step-by-step approach where the patient is secured to a backboard before being slid out avoids unsafe twisting or bending motions.

Bari-Carry Methods

Specialized carries distributing weight across multiple rescuers prevents excessive spinal compression.

Additional Resourcing

Having more personnel on hand ensures adequate responders to safely maneuver and monitor the patient.

Real-World Success Stories

These bariatric techniques translate to better outcomes in actual rescues. For example:

French Fire Brigade Extrication

A fire crew in France rehearsed bariatric vehicle rescue using a 220kg water-weighted manikin in full firefighter gear. Their step-by-step removal kept five firefighters safe while quickly accessing the dummy.

US Forest Rangers Evac-Sled Use

When a morbidly obese injured hiker needed evacuation from a US National Forest trail, Rangers deployed a customized evac-sled able to bear his weight down steep terrain. Their prior bariatric training ensured safe transport with the specialty equipment.

Begin Your Bariatric Extrication Training

Don’t wait until faced with a real bariatric emergency to discover your crews aren’t fully prepared. Invest in a durable bariatric manikin for essential hands-on training now. Your organization can order custom manikins offering:

• Total weights up to or exceeding 220kg
• Reinforced construction for your extrication drills
• Water-fillable for easy weight adjustments
• Realistic body proportions challenging crews

Contact bariatric manikin specialists to find the right dummy to meet your extrication training needs.

FAQs

Why can't we just use regular dummies for bariatric training?

Standard manikins don't accurately mimic the size and weight of bariatric patients. Using non-specialized dummies gives teams false confidence and fails to prepare them for real-world obese rescues.

How heavy do bariatric manikins get?

Quality bariatric dummies allow water-filling up to or exceeding 220kg/440lbs total weight. This matches encounters with severely obese patients.

Can the manikins handle regular use?

Yes, reinforced bariatric manikins are durable enough for repeated use in hands-on extrication and transport drills. They handle the strain without leakage or equipment damage.

Do we need a custom bariatric manikin?

For the most accurate training, a customized manikin replicates your region's demographics. Stock manikins also offer adjustable weights at a lower price point.