Creating an intramuscular injection pad for the SimMan 3G

This short report outlines the rationale, design and method of production for a thigh-mounted intramuscular (IM) pad in the thigh of a SimMan 3G manikin. The aim of this project was to create an IM injection site in the manikin’s thigh to allow simulation participants to practise administering IM injections in a safe, supported environment. After creating a prototype from a plastic bottle, a module was designed to use with the SimMan 3G. A mould of SimMan’s leg was created using plaster of Paris, and then a relief was added to this mould to create the shape required to hold the sponge. Once the mould was completed, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) was applied to create the final module. Using an electric rotary tool, a hole was cut in the SimMan’s thigh to enable the module to be fitted. The final product was waterproof, lightweight and strong. It sits discretely beneath the SimMan 3G’s leg skin enabling students to practise high-fidelity IM injections on the manikin’s leg without faculty intervention. This module is a cost-effective solution for allowing participants to practise IM injections on a manikin during healthcare simulation.