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HomeGrown Solution: SimMom Hand Pump

Title

SimMom Hand Pump

Submitted By

Jennifer Bartlett

HomeGrown Solution Number

246

Identification of the Problem

Although there is the functionality to program fluid (simulated blood) flow in a Laerdal SimMom scenario, the simulationist has minimal control over the rate and timing of the fluid flow. In the face of a pump failure, an external manual pump is the most viable back-up option.

Unique Idea

As a one-time troubleshooting fix for a failed pump, we installed a hand fluid/siphon pump. Although originally intended as a temporary fix, this option provides optimal control of the rate and timing of fluid flow, so we have implemented this equipment/process on a more permanent basis. During a simulation, when students are specifically assessing for bleeding (locia), we begin pumping; we cease pumping when students are otherwise engaged, which means we are using less than half of the simulated blood we were using before this invention.

Supplies/Ingredients

  1. 1 - hand fluid/siphon pump (with tubing attached) ($6.00)
  2. 10 feet (more/less depending on your set-up) of ½ inch OSD air tubing ($5.00)
  3. Industrial waterproof tape (duct tape) ($3.00)
  4. 10 feet (more/less depending on your set-up) of 1-3/8 inch wire wrap ($3.00)
  5. 1 - double-ended tubing connector (set of 10 for $3.00 at an automotive shop)

Steps to Creating the Solution

  1. Gather materials.
  2. Place the hand pump where you would like it to be placed for pumping during the simulation (to determine air tubing length needed).
  3. Attach the out-pump tubing from the hand fluid/siphon pump to the new air tubing (long enough to reach SimMom’s pelvis), and secure with a clamp (included in our hand fluid/siphon pump kit) or tape).
  4. Remove the red Luer connector (and the white elbow) from the existing blood feed tube.
  5. Connect the end of the new air tubing (out-pump side of the hand fluid/siphon pump) to the existing blood feed tube (without the Luer connector) using a double-ended tubing connector.
  6. Secure the tubing as needed with industrial waterproof tape.
  7. Place the end of the in-pump tubing in a large (half-gallon) container of simulated blood.
  8. Cover the exposed tubing by wrapping dark wire wrap to disguise the fluid flow.
  9. Prime the tubing by pumping.
  10. Pump as needed during simulation.

Images

hand fluid siphon pump with blood in the tubing on left side of hand pump and the exposed tubing wrapped in dark wire wrap to disguise the fluid flow on the right side of hand pump open manikin abdomen with OSD air tubing and double-ended tubing connectors

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