We introduce the second generations of CrashSavers DIY Simulators: Pressure and Foley.
This CrashSavers module will allow first responders to become confident and competent in performing pressure and packing as part of a toolkit of hemorrhage control techniques performed in rural and/or LMIC prehospital settings.
Why Pressure?[edit | edit source]
The use of manual pressure to stop bleeding is one of the most immediate ways to control hemorrhage and save a life. The CrashSavers Pressure Simulator and VR app were designed to be used together to teach learners how to properly apply this hemorrhage control technique. This will allow providers to become confident and competent in applying manual pressure for hemorrhage control performed for actively bleeding individuals.
When manual pressure is identified as an appropriate choice in the clinical case scenario within the VR app, learners can then use the Pressure Simulator to practice their skills until they become proficient in this technique. If learners fail to identify manual pressure as the best option in a clinical case scenario, the VR app will provide relevant educational content and feedback to the learner.
With the Pressure Simulator, learners create a replica of a superficial thigh wound. Pressure is the first and most immediate form of addressing external injuries given that it is simple, fast, and direct. Learners will be trained to apply direct pressure on superficial wounds to obtain hemorrhage control.
Construction Manual[edit | edit source]
The following Construction Manual guides learners through building our simple, fast, and cheap simulator for manual pressure. After the simulator model has been built, learners can continue through the clinical case scenarios within the CrashSavers VR app to practice application of hemorrhage control techniques. In the Construction Manual, learners will find all relevant materials on pricing, online providers, and step-by-step instructions for building the simulator.
Construction Logistics[edit | edit source]
Building Time and Costs[edit | edit source]
All materials needed to create the simulator were chosen for their ready availability worldwide. Everything is easy to find at local stores in Guatemala, and many have also been listed in online stores. To the best of our knowledge, there is not a comparable physical model for training hemorrhage control techniques that provides as comprehensive of an educational experience at this price.
| Time | 45-90 minutes |
| Costs | ~$51.29 |
Reproducibility[edit | edit source]
Our team is conscious and mindful of the need for ease and reproducibility of our simulator model in order for it to be appropriately used by learners of different abilities and experiences. We addressed this by piloting the simulator model with 2 different groups–engineers who devised the simulator, and firefighter trainees. The firefighter trainees were instructed to construct the simulator without any assistance. They reported that assembling the simulator was straightforward, despite not having any engineering background, experience, or expertise. The firefighters were able to complete the simulator construction in 1.5 hours.