WBS CRU-R Adult Patient Simulator: the solution from Tacmed

The Whole Body Clinical Response – Resuscitate (WBS CRU-R) is an advanced adult patient simulator designed for complex scenarios such as trauma and emergencies. With robust construction, clinical realism and state-of-the-art functionality, it is the ideal solution for medical training in tactical and military environments. Fidel Esteves Pinto, a professional nurse paramedic, simulation technician and CHSE® educator, tested it for us.

Today I am reviewing for you the adult patient simulator Whole Body Clinical Response – Resuscitate (WBS-CRU-R) produced by Tacmed Solutions and distributed in Italy by Accurate. Supported by Stefano (very helpful technical manager whom I thank) I had the chance to try it at the SimulaHub simulation center in Parma. I immediately had the feeling that I had in my hands an extremely robust and realistic system, perfect for advanced clinical training, with a special focus on tactical, military and out-of-hospital contexts. Let’s find out about it together!

Design and robustness

The name WBS, an acronym for Whole Body System, already tells a lot: it is a whole-body simulator actually composed of an upper body and a lower body, which can be used separately as task trainers or combined to create a high-fidelity whole-body simulator. Weighing 80 kg, it faithfully reproduces human physicality, making it perfect for simulating trauma scenarios.

Durability and strength are its strengths: the 18V batteries, similar to those in ordinary drills, guarantee long battery life and easy replacement. Forget about cables! In addition, the structure is water and shock resistant, making it suitable for even the harshest environments. Here, Tacmed has hit the jackpot.

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Clinical realism of the highest level

The WBS CRU-R offers an impressive set of features covering all major clinical aspects:

• Advanced airway: cricothyrotomy, nasal block, and sensors that detect tooth damage during intubation, with removable teeth for specific scenarios.
• Pneumothorax and thoracostomy detention: bilateral needle decompression and chest drainage with realistic depth.
• Trauma and bleeding: regulation of femoral, inguinal and stump bleeding, multiple wounds and burns.
• Vital signs: everything a high-fidelity manikin can have, measurable even with real instruments, such as a traditional blood pressure sphygmomanometer.
• Vascular accesses: venous accesses and intraosseous, bladder catheterization.
• Inclusiveness: available in versions with different ethnic characteristics to increasingly promote the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness in healthcare education. 

Advanced user experience and functionality

The controller, also powered by an 18V battery, is solid and intuitive. Highlights include an on-screen joystick for remote movement of the amputee limb and detailed feedback for chest compressions in CPR mode. The ACLS mode, with data export and After Action Review, makes it a valuable ally for advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

The system supports fast and reliable connections (we tested it up to 30 meters), ideal for simulations in large spaces. However, the patient monitor, although robust, has room for improvement: vital parameters, for example, cannot be managed directly on the device, but require trainer intervention via controller.

Where it could improve

Despite its qualities, the WBS CRU-R has some aspects that could be improved to optimize its use. Assembly, for example, requires the presence of two operators and good coordination between them, making the operation more complex than would be desirable. A more intuitive system could significantly simplify this step. Another limitation concerns the sound library, currently reduced to only three lung sounds; an expansion of this range would improve simulation possibilities. The touchscreen controller, although robust, also lacks sensitivity, especially the controls located near the edges, which are not always easy to press. The compressor, while providing effective chest expansion, turns out to be rather noisy, an aspect that could be disturbing during use. Finally, the infused fluid collection system has an awkward outlet, positioned at wrist level. A more practical solution, perhaps internal or with a better designed connection, would be a significant improvement.

If you would like to learn more, please check out our product sheet in SIMventory.

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