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Like People, Water Rescue Manikins are More than One Size Fits All

Even the most passionate and well trained rescue workers will be the first ones to say that there are elements of their job that are nothing short of mentally trying.  Seeing people in need of urgent care and rescue can be daunting, that is for sure.  This is one of the many reasons why those in charge of training these crucial members of emergency response teams go to such long lengths to ensure that the best of training materials are available.  An emergency response technician is only as effective as his or her training.  Water rescue is just one of the sub categories that fall under this important medical field.  In order to train the best emergency personnel, it’s imperative to have the best water rescue manikins.  No one likes the idea of a water emergency, but they do occur in a large number of situations.  Teams have the chance of having a great outcome if they have the best tools to train with from the beginning.

 

As every water rescue technician or instructor knows, water emergencies can happen to people of all ages.  As upsetting as it may be to think about, babies and children can sometimes be caught in some dangerous situations in the water.  Manufacturers try to help prepare workers for this possibility by making a variety of water rescue manikins in different sizes.  On average, you can expect to find manikins in baby sizes, adolescent or children’s sizes, as well as adult sizing.  These different sized manikins make it possible for emergency teams to train and work with the idea of removing any person from the water safely.  Those first few moments can be critical in staving off the possibility of drowning or brain damage incurred by too long submersion.  In short, the varying sized manikins are instrumental in preparing the teams for any scenario.

 

Other than the size, there isn’t much difference in the water rescue manikins.  They are made to be as water resistant as possible.  Most of the outer shell of the manikin is made from an incredibly durable hard plastic.  The skeleton, if you will, is often made of rust resistant steel.  Both materials are used to ensure that the water rescue manikin is able to sustain long use and remains clean and less likely to allow cross contamination. 

 

A few more features of the average water rescue manikin you should keep in mind include the articulated joints and the ability to sink the manikins for diving rescue.  Any lifeguard is aware that a drowning or water emergency victim has a tendency to move their joints in less than conducive ways during a rescue. The articulated joints mimic those natural, panic stricken movements, aiding the EMT in a real rescue experience.  Most well made water rescue manikins also can be filled with water and/or a brick to ensure the “body” is submerged to the proper depth for the training exercise.  All of these features add up to create the most efficient and useful learning tool for this kind of rescue.