The development of the R42 bariatric training manikin marks a major step forward in medical simulation. It is representative of a 320lb (145kg) female patient and addresses critical gaps in training equipment while delivering unmatched realism and functionality.
Developed by RIB Productions, the R42 offers a manikin training solution that is specifically designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals who work with bariatric patients. Isaac Franklin, founder of RIB Productions, shares his insights with us about the journey that brought the R42 to life, as well as his guiding principles that make it truly exceptional.
Crafting a Vision that’s Rooted in Experience
Isaac’s journey to creating innovative manikins stems from his family’s background in craftsmanship. His father worked as a stonemason on historic structures, while his mother was a printmaker. Isaac was strongly influenced by their skill and dedication but was keen to develop his own path.
While pursuing a degree in technical arts, Isaac gained a deep understanding of techniques, including casting, sculpting, and metalwork, an artistry which is evident in RIB Productions’ manikins today. This foundation propelled Isaac to explore medical simulation, a field where he believes his skills could make real, tangible differences.
“In my teenage years, I spent a lot of time in hospitals and was always struck by the people helping during some of life’s toughest moments,” Isaac tells us. “When I began designing for medical training, it was clear that there was a need for tools that not only performed but that respected the patients they represented.”
The Development of the R42 Manikin
The R42 emerged from a partnership between RIB Productions, Simulation Collective, and Aston University in Birmingham, England. At the time, Aston University was seeking a bariatric manikin for realistic and respectful training scenarios. Isaac and his team quickly realized that the existing market lacked suitable options and that they didn’t reflect the dignity of bariatric individuals or meet the procedural training needs.
Determined to fill this void, RIB Productions developed the R42. Not only is the R42 the world’s first genuinely accurate bariatric manikin, but it also uses cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and is the first fully 3D-printed manikin. Innovative tech is combined with thoughtful design to ensure that the manikin represents bariatric people authentically.
“It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel – we wanted to do something better,” says Isaac. “The R42 offers a representation that’s functional, respectful, and addresses a real demand.”
Image Source: RIB Productions
Leveraging 3D printing was a crucial step.
A critical element of the R42’s design is the use of 3D printing techniques. Isaac’s team found that modern 3D printing technology allows them to produce highly detailed components at scale. “We’ve been using 3D printers for years, but this project brought home just how far the technology has come,” Isaac notes. “It’s allowed us to ensure detail and quality while still punching above our weight in terms of output.”
The innovation extends to the manikin’s internal mechanisms, which RIB Productions have patented. The R42’s joint construction and movement capabilities are unique, and it is designed to replicate real-life bariatric scenarios. This allows for hands-on practice in handling, transferring, and positioning bariatric patients safely and efficiently. Training for real-world scenarios like moving patients to lithotomy, prone, or catheterization positions is, therefore, made much easier.
It is a feature-rich training manikin.
The R42 also offers advanced airway management capabilities, enabling trainees to practice intubation with chest rise using various airway adjuncts, such as endotracheal tubes and supraglottic devices, for effective training in complex scenarios. Further features include wound care, urinary catheterization, IV, and intramuscular injection training. With its upright sitting capability, limited neck movement, and anatomically accurate weight distribution, the R42 delivers realistic, multi-disciplinary training for the challenges of bariatric patient care.
Core Principles of the R42 Development
Throughout the development process, Isaac and his team kept a learning outcome-focused mindset that maintained the principles of dignity, accuracy, and durability. To that end, there were several key aspects that were crucial to the R42’s development.
Advanced durability testing.
RIB Productions has a history of intense durability testing on its manikins, having previously created triage solutions for military use. This means that robust durability testing is core to RIB Productions processes.
Durability was also a priority for environmental reasons. The R42 is constructed from 97% recycled plastic and is itself 90% recyclable. Isaac emphasizes this, saying that “the medical simulation industry has a long way to go when it comes to addressing sustainability. By prioritizing a durable and modular design, we’ve been able to increase a manikin’s lifespan and reduce environmental impact.”
Functionality and a modular design.
It is not just in accuracy that the R42 stands out. It is adaptable, too. RIB Productions has pushed hard for a design in which each component is modular and interchangeable. This means users can add features like advanced airway functionality, catheterization, and a growing range of wound modules.
Isaac reinforces this, saying, “We wanted a manikin that could grow with its users. Every R42 can be upgraded throughout its lifespan whether it’s adding new features or replacing parts.”
The modular approach also ensured accessibility. Most parts can be sourced locally, making repairs quicker and more affordable. This addresses a common problem for simulation centre technicians, where simulators often fail due to wear and tear, which can cause costly delays.
The R42 is Part of an Ongoing Evolution
“In no way is the R42 a static product,” says Isaac. The modular design means that it remains relevant as training needs evolve. New features are constantly being developed so that users can enhance their manikins without needing to replace them entirely. “When someone invests in an R42, they’re getting a product that will grow with them,” Isaac says.
The response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Trainers and healthcare professionals are impressed with the R42 for addressing long-standing gaps in bariatric representation and functionality.
The R42 Has Been Extremely Well-Received
So far, the R42 has been met with a notably favourable response across various industries. It is seeing wide use with firefighters, physiotherapists, and police, as well as throughout the medical sector. Users and trainers have credited it with exceptional realism, particularly around the movement and handling of patients. This is something that RIB Productions put extensive research into, investigating range of movement, as well as the needs of those carrying out care on bariatric patients.
What’s Next for RIB Productions?
RIB Productions is keen to keep pushing the boundaries of medical simulation with a clear commitment to representation and innovation. Building on the success of the R42, the team is now focusing on expanding their range of inclusive manikins, including a Black female bariatric geriatric manikin. Once again, 3D Printing is at the forefront of this effort. The manikin is based on a sculpted, 3D scan of a 78-year-old Black woman, so it is precisely accurate to the demographic it seeks to represent.
This includes the differences in how wounds and conditions manifest on Black skin. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in wound and clinical training, as conditions like pressure ulcers, rashes, or cyanosis can appear differently. This is something that has often been overlooked, but incorporating these nuances into training ensures practitioners are better prepared to recognize and treat diverse patient populations.
Want to Find Out More about the R42 Manikin?
The R42 is already bridging the gap in bariatric patient healthcare training. You can learn more about what this product means for the industry by reading our article on the topic. We’ve also spoken to industry experts about the impact that simulation-based training can have on bariatric patient outcomes.
Alternatively, you can visit the R42 page to download a brochure or get in touch with us today with any questions.
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