Cutting-edge trauma casualty simulation mannequin used in full-scale exercise for first time

A medical mannequin that was developed to help train military surgeons has been used for the first time in a full-scale field hospital exercise.

The Surgical Advanced Mannequin (SAM model) is a training simulation model that was invented and developed by civilian orthopaedic major trauma surgeon Professor Ian Pallister.

The Ministry of Defence pointed out how the mannequin can reproduce different injury patterns such as blast wounds and gunshots, can 'breathe' and can also be pumped with fake blood to simulate bleeding.

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It said the mannequin, which has been refined over a 10-year period, had enabled Armed Forces medical teams to participate in a highly realistic clinical exercise run by the Army Medical Services Training Centre.

Earlier versions of the SAM model have been used to train Ukrainian military surgeons.

Innovative equipment

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families Dr Andrew Murrison, who is a doctor in the Royal Naval Reserve, said: "These world-class training models are an excellent demonstration of the type of innovative equipment produced by UK defence and our industry partners.

"They play a vital part in delivering cutting-edge training to both our Ukrainian allies and our exemplary military medical and surgical teams in the UK, helping to ensure they continue to be the very best at what they do."

Prof Pallister developed the SAM model using CT scans and 3D-printed masters of specific wounds such as a gunshots and pelvic injuries.

His latest version of the model can be intubated, have dead 'tissue' removed, and be used for exploratory surgery.

Prof Pallister said: "SAM models, which have been taken on board Royal Navy ships and deployed in land environments, are the product of years of constant redesign and redevelopment and these evolving innovations would not have been possible without the close co-operation of Defence Medical Service colleagues and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory."