Moulage in high-fidelity simulation-a chest wall burn escharotomy model for visual realism and as an educational tool

There is a paucity of literature pertaining to the role and techniques of moulage for creating high-fidelity medical simulations. As part of an Intensive Care Crisis Event Management Course, simulation of an extensive torso burn was desired. The aim of the moulage was to enhance the realism of the scenario but additionally to enable a chest wall escharotomy to be performed.

A simple step-wise technique for preparing a chest wall burn moulage that may be fitted to mannequins of all sizes and shapes is described.

Utilization of the chest wall moulage as part of an overall strategy to prepare mannequins' for a severe burns scenario is detailed.

In the case of the chest wall burn model, moulage was used as more than a visual realism enhancing strategy-it served as an educational tool in its own right, permitting demonstration of a procedure performed infrequently outside the walls of major burns centers.