The Patient Handling Manikin has been developed to improve lifting and handling training within the healthcare industry.

Proper patient handling technique reduces the risk of injury to both staff and patients. Regular training therefore decreases the risk of staff requiring leave for musculoskeletal injuries and mitigates the risk of litigation in the unfortunate event of an accident involving a patient.
Designed by moving and handling experts the Patient Handling Manikin has been designed to help aid compliance with Manual Handling Operation Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Often during manual handling training staff will practice techniques on each other, however the simulated patient may unconsciously assist during lifting and moving. This makes the training unrealistic as some patients are unable to support their own body weight. Therefore manikins provide more accurate training enabling staff to be better prepared for real-life scenarios. Using manikins also helps to maintain social distancing guidelines and reduces person-to-person contact.

Key features

• Mimics the movement of a conscious patient – constructed with an elongated plastic spine and additional weight to the bottom area that allows the manual handling manikin to sit upright in a bed, wheelchair or hoist. The thighs also contain plastic strips to prevent too much bending when hoisting.
• Detachable arms and legs – making it possible to simulate an amputee in training. Detaching the arms and legs also makes the manikin easier and lighter to transport.
• Soft body joints - eliminate the risk of pinch welts and bruising; common injuries when using plastic-bodied manikins.
• Velcro straps at the wrist – allow trainers to position the manikin in a range of positions, including holding both arms together, strapping one arm up in a sling position or securing the manikin onto the sling.
• Incredible strength and abrasion resistance - constructed from the same flame-retardant material used in police ballistic/stab vests and high-density polypropylene webbing.
• An immobilisation/ extrication collar can be fitted around the neck to promote proper casualty care.

The Patient Handling Manikin is a great addition to manual handling and hoist training and is already extensively used by:

• Hospitals & NHS trusts
• Care Homes
• Age UK Training Centre
• Specialist Health & Safety Training Organisation

Two variations of the manikin are available:

• A 30kg model which allows for easier manoeuvring during training exercises and simpler transportation between locations. The 30kg manikin comes with both weighted and unweighted soft feet. The weighted feet have additional grip on the soles and are recommended for use during bed work and when using a wheelchair. The unweighted are for use during sling/hoist work.
• A 50kg model which is industry standard; provides more realistic weight for training and performs better without adaptations. The 50kg manikin comes with weighted feet only.