Low-Cost Model for Battlefield Wound and Hemorrhage Training

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Trauma Care Training
• Surgical Skills Development

Background:

• Exsanguination is a primary cause of preventable death in battlefield and austere settings.
• Existing hemorrhage control training models are often prohibitively expensive, limiting widespread adoption.
• There is a need for cost-effective simulation tools to enhance life-saving skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a low-cost simulation model for hemorrhage training.
• To create realistic moulage techniques using accessible materials.
• To reduce the financial barriers associated with critical hemorrhage control education.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pork shoulder roast with simulated incisions for wound packing practice.
• Employed IV tubing and artificial blood for realistic bleeding simulation.
• Applied pork roast and artificial blood to actors/mannequins for moulage, mimicking real tissue appearance and feel.

Main Results:

• Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training was successfully conducted with a low start-up cost (<$70).
• Individual course costs were reduced to as little as $15.
• The methodology facilitated the establishment of additional TCCC training centers affordably.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost pork roast models effectively simulate massive hemorrhage for wound packing and moulage.
• These techniques are applicable to various hemorrhage control training programs, including TCCC, Advanced Wilderness Life Support, and Stop the Bleed.
• The developed methods offer a scalable and economical solution for critical trauma training.