TissueDB/Simulators/Wound Packing Simulator
General Information
Wound packing controls hemorrhage by pressing gauze tightly into a deep wound and holding direct pressure until clotting forms. CrashSavers VR developed this trainer to teach the technique to prehospital responders in low- and middle-income settings, beginning in Guatemala. The build adapts their CrashSavers Pressure Simulator. Sources: the CrashSavers Pressure and Packing module and the Step-by-Step Building Manual (PDF).
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| General Information | Wound packing and hemorrhage control trainer for trauma and emergency medicine training, adapted from the CrashSavers Pressure Simulator design. A spring compression mechanism beneath PVC half-pipe surfaces squeezes an internal latex hose when the learner applies pressure — water flow stoppage confirms correct wound packing technique. |
| Features and Basic Operation | Not stated in source |
| Current Development Status | First pass engineering |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | 45–90 minutes per the CrashSavers source page (firefighter trainees completed the build in 1.5 hours in pilot testing)., ~$142 USD (US retail, March 2026; Amazon and Home Depot). Source document lists ~$51 USD (Guatemala, 2020–2022 local market). US cost is higher due to bulk packaging of hardware and higher retail prices for PVC and lumber. |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Not stated in source |
| Version | Not stated in source |
| Development Team Contact Information | CrashSavers Trauma |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin | 2 | PVC pipe 4 in (10 cm diameter), halved lengthwise, 20 cm length each | $21.00 | Two half-pipe sections (code PVC-1) cut from a single 4 in PVC pipe. Shortest length available on Amazon is ~43 cm (17 in); cut to size. Forms the surface onto which direct pressure is applied. Simulates the external limb surface. |
| Blood vessel | 2 | Latex plastic hose (5 mm diameter, 1 m length each) | $17.00 | Two hoses at ~$8.50 each (1 m): one threaded through the PVC-2 pressure channel and compression zone; second connects pump to mechanism. Fluid flow through these hoses simulates arterial blood flow. Hose internal volume approximately 20 mL each (40 mL total). |
| Blood | 1 | Water | $0 | Simulates blood flow through the latex hose system. Pumped via fumigator hand pump. Flow stoppage indicates successful pressure application. Fill system with approximately 500 mL to 1 L of water for a training session. |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood pieces (W-1 through W-5, W-7) | 16 | Wood strips (pine or similar) | $10.00 | 16 pieces total in various lengths (see cutting diagrams in source PDF, Section 4.0.1). W-1: 300 mm ×4. W-2: 150 mm ×4. W-3: 240 mm ×1. W-4: 500 mm ×2 (wider stock). W-5: 175 mm ×4. W-7: 240 mm ×1. All 20 × 10 mm cross-section except W-4. Typically sourced from local lumber yard. Shared with Tourniquet Simulator. |
| Base board (W-6) | 1 | Wood board (plywood) | $12.00 | 600 × 400 × 10 mm. Mounting base for the simulator frame. Cut from a standard plywood sheet at a local hardware store. |
| Pressure channel pipe (PVC-2) | 1 | PVC pipe ½ in (12.7 mm internal, 30 cm length) | $3.00 | Internal pressure mechanism pipe. Sealed at one end with PVC plug (U), fitted with brass adapter (A) at the other end. Unique to this simulator. |
| Pressure channel seal (U) | 1 | PVC plug ½ in (12.7 mm) | $6.00 | Seals one end of the PVC-2 pressure channel. Unique to this simulator. |
| Hose connection adapter (A) | 1 | Brass hose fitting adapter, ¼ in (6 mm) barb × ¼ in NPT male | $8.50 | Connects PVC-2 pressure channel to the latex hose. Sold in 2-pack on Amazon (~$8.48); single units may be available locally. Unique to this simulator. |
| Frame assembly screws (S-1) | 16 | Screws 3.0 mm × 4.5 cm | $10.00 | Secure W-1 and W-2 wood frame layers at corners. US retail: buy M3 assorted screw kit (~$10) covering S-1, S-2, S-3, and FS-1 needs. |
| Frame extension screws (S-2) | 4 | Screws 3.0 mm × 8.0 cm | — | Attach vertical supports. Use with washers. Included in screw kit above. |
| Centerline post fasteners (S-3) | 3 | Screws 4.0 mm × 8.0 cm | — | Create three vertical posts arrayed along W-3 crosspiece centerline. Included in screw kit above. |
| Mechanism mounting screws (FS-1) | 8 | Flat head screws 3.0 mm × 8.0 cm | — | Install spring compression guide mechanism with W-5 plates. Included in screw kit above. |
| Small fastener nuts | 36 | Nuts 3.0 mm | $5.00 | Secure S-1, S-2, and FS-1 screws. Sold in 100-pack on Amazon (~$5). |
| Large fastener nuts | 6 | Nuts 4.0 mm | $5.00 | Secure S-3 corner post screws. Sold in 100-pack on Amazon (~$5). |
| Compression springs (R-1) | 4 | Spring 4.0 mm diameter × 4.0 cm (cut from one 30 cm spring) | $7.00 | 10-pack of 4 mm OD × 40 mm compression springs available on Amazon (~$7). Alternatively cut four 4 cm segments from one 30 cm spring (14 cm unused). |
| Connection sealant | 1 | Teflon tape | $3.50 | Wrap all hose connections to prevent leaks. Sold in multi-roll packs (~$3.50 for 4 rolls). |
| Fluid pressure pump | 1 | Water pump (fumigator / hand-operated pump sprayer, ~1 gallon / 3.8 L capacity) | $16.00 | Creates fluid pressure simulating blood flow. Hand-operated garden pump sprayer; 1 gallon models available from $16. |
| Water reservoir | 1 | Plastic water bottle | $1.00 | Collects water returning from the simulator circuit. Suggested capacity 1 L or larger to allow adequate water circulation without frequent refilling. |
| Wood joint adhesive | As needed | Super glue | $5.00 | For reinforcing wood joints during frame assembly. |
| Structural bonding agent | As needed | Epoxy resin | $8.00 | For permanent structural bonds in the frame. |
| Hose securing ties | 1 bag (10 units) | Plastic cable ties | $4.00 | Secure hose at multiple points along the mechanical frame. Tighten just enough to seat the hose without crimping it. Sold in 100-pack on Amazon (~$4). |
Build Instructions
Resources
- Source PDF: Pressure Simulator — Step by Step Building Manual
- Wood cutting diagrams: Wood Diagrams (external link) or see Section 4.0.1 of the PDF.
Materials and Tools Reference
For complete materials lists, tools references, and part codes, see the Step-by-Step Building Manual (PDF), pages 4–9.
Tools needed: hand saw, drill, drill bits (1/8 in / 3 mm, 5/8 in / 16 mm, 5/16 in / 8 mm), Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, 400-grit sandpaper, measuring tape, C-clamp, wrenches, rotary tool (Dremel).
Preparation
Step 1: Cut all wood pieces to the dimensions specified in the cutting diagrams (PDF Section 4.0.1). Sand all cut edges.
Step 2: Prepare PVC-1 halves. Cut two 20 cm sections from a 4 in (10 cm) PVC pipe. Split each lengthwise to create half-pipes. Sand cut edges.
Step 3: Prepare PVC-2 pressure channel. Cut a 30 cm length of ½ in (12.7 mm) PVC pipe. Seal one end with PVC plug (U). Attach brass adapter (A) at the other end with Teflon tape.
Step 4: Cut springs (R-1). Cut four 4 cm segments from one 30 cm compression spring (4 mm diameter); 14 cm of spring will be unused.
Frame Assembly
The source PDF shows 17 build steps as labeled 3D diagrams. Each step below describes the assembly action shown in the corresponding diagram (PDF step number retained in the image caption for traceability).
Step 5: Attach W-1 (long sides) to W-2 (short sides) using S-1 screws to form a rectangular base frame layer.
Step 6: Add W-3 (spring-post crosspiece) as a cross-member using S-1 screws.
Step 7: Install three S-3 screws vertically through W-3's three Ø6.0 mm holes to create three vertical posts in a row along the crosspiece's centerline. Secure with 4.0 mm nuts on the underside.
Step 8: Complete the second frame layer (W-1, W-2) using S-1 screws.
Step 9: Install W-7 as a transverse cross-brace using S-1 screws.
Step 10: Install S-2 mounting posts and R-1 compression springs into the frame mechanism.
Pressure Channel Assembly
Step 11: Seal PVC-2 pressure channel with plug (U) at one end.
Step 12: Attach brass adapter (A) to the open end of PVC-2.
Surface and Final Assembly
Step 13: Place PVC-1 half-pipes over the pressure channel assembly.
Step 14: Mount W-4 supports and W-5 spring compression guides on the base board (W-6) using FS-1 flat head screws.
Step 15: Secure the full mechanism assembly to the base board using S-1 screws.
Fluid Circuit and Testing
Step 16: Connect latex hose to the brass adapter (A) on the pressure channel.
Step 17: Route hose through the mechanism and secure with cable ties.
Step 18: Connect fumigator pump and water reservoir to complete the fluid circuit. Test by pumping water through the system — pressing on the PVC half-pipe surface should reduce or stop flow.
References
- ↑ CrashSavers VR (2020). Pressure Simulator — Step by Step Building Manual. Appropedia.
- ↑ CrashSavers Trauma Project. Hemorrhage Control Techniques — Pressure and Packing. Appropedia.
| Alternative names | Wound Packing Trainer CrashSavers Wound Packing Simulator Pressure Simulator CrashSavers Pressure Simulator |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Wound Packing Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved June 3, 2026. |