Moulage of the Month: Snakebite

Time:

3–5 minutes

Skill Level:

Intermediate

Supplies: (Shop www.moulageconcepts.com for all your moulage needs!)

• Latex, clear
• Modeling wax
• Moulage Gel, blood
• SIM-Safe Stix, black
• SIM-Safe Stix, bright red
• Setting powder, translucent

Equipment:

• Paint brush, small
• Toothpick
• Cotton swab
• Blush brush
• Makeup sponge
• Tongue Depressor

Technique:

Using a tongue depressor, remove a small amount (approximately the size of a nickel) of modeling wax from container. Pressing the wax and depressor firmly against the skin, deposit wax using a quick, firm swipe. Using the depressor, create an approximately 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch circular pattern to the skin of victim. The circular pattern should be approximately 1/8 of an inch thick.  While maintaining the 1/8 of an inch thickness through the center, blend the wax outward around the perimeter, feathering the edges into the natural skin. See Figure 1.

Using a damp cotton swab, create a circular divot in the center of wax, forming an indentation. Carefully remove any wax remnants from the center of the imprint, creating a cleanly defined entry point. If desired, lightly draw the lower end of the identation downward creating a subtle "fang mark" point. See Figure 2.

Using the latex, lightly brush the surface of the bite entry point and surrounding area to set the wax and create a seal. Deglaze and set the skin. Set the latex by using a blush brush that has been dipped in setting powder to gently brush powder over the entire wound area. See Figure 3.

Create bite puncture depth by using a small paint brush that has been dipped in black makeup. Deposit color inside the indentation using a gentle blotting technique. See Figure 4.

Using a small paint brush that has been dipped in blood-colored moulage gel, gently fill in the puncture hole. Using small paint strokes, create a faint retraction scratch below the puncture mark.  See Figure 5.

Using a makeup sponge dipped in red makeup, deposit the color around the puncture marks using a light blotting technique to create wound reddening. See Figure 6.

Using the blood-colored moulage gel, place an additional drop or two inside the indentation, allowing the gel to pool and flow onto the skin. Position the patient to create a "blood flow” pattern as appropriate to gravity.  See Figure 7.

Dispatch:

Medic 4, respond Code 3 Mike's Manufacturing, 2144 Industrial Way: unknown injuries. Nearest cross section, Airport Road. 1530 Dispatch clear.

On Scene:

Dress the victim in pretreated mechanic overalls. To create the overalls, use scissors to create several small holes on the lower leg and calf of pants. Using a paint brush, apply a small amount of blood to the area surrounding the entry point. Apply several snake bite marks to the calf.

Using a makeup sponge, apply white makeup to the face of victim, blending well. Create beads of sweat on the skin by applying a light mist of premade sweat mixture to the forehead, chin and upper lip of patient. Position the victim flat on their back near a small pool of vomitus.

Instruct co-workers to advise response personnel of large, newly discovered snake nest located in old equipment and wood area.

Use in Conjunction With:

Vomit

Helpful Hint:

Need a Latex-free option? Flesh or clear moulage gel can be used in place of latex.

Cleanup and Storage:

Carefully remove wound from the skin of simulator. Using your fingers or a paper towel, grab and lift the wound around the edges. Using a gentle upward motion, continue to peel away the wound until the entire product has released from the skin. Using a soft, clean cloth or per manufacturers instructions, remove any remaining product residue from the skin.

See more of our FREE training tutorials at moulageconcepts.com.

Bobbie Merica is a medical/trauma moulage expert, author and President of Moulage Concepts Inc., a global moulage company specializing in training, supplies and wound customization. Utilizing best practice techniques, Bobbie's teaching methods have simplified the complex, enabling everyone to create moulage that is quick, cost effective and convincing. Moulage Concepts has debuted a free, step-by-step moulage training blog featuring tutorials, training scenarios, SIM-Safe options and "expert weigh-in" from industry leaders including Simulation Scientists, Simulation Coordinators and Simulation Technicians. Read the full article with the training tutorial here.