An Oscar-worthy performer

But Oscar is no ordinary patient – he’s a $120,000 electronic manikin which bleeds, breathes, blinks, has a heartbeat and can even talk, and he’s helping to train the surgical team at the Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB).

‘‘He acts as a patient with similar physiological responses to both the trauma suffered and the anaesthetic treatment,’’ TDHB anaesthetist and intensive care specialist Dr Jonathan Albrett said.

‘‘Oscar played a vital role in training last month. He was wheeled into theatre in preparation for a leg amputation but suffered a cardiac arrest during the process.’’

Oscar (Organised Simulated Care and Response) is one of a number of highly realistic manikins being used to train medics around the country through a programme called NetworkZ, which was developed by Auckland University with funding from ACC. The manikins are made by a special effects company in Auckland.

NetworkZ course co-ordinator Vaughan Holm said: ‘‘Staff can appreciate they are getting the most relevant training in a simulation setting.

‘‘Most people don’t realise the complexities involved with just one patient’s care – from the time of admission, to when they go into surgery and then on to postsurgery care. We are always working to provide better outcomes in acute care.’’