Moulage of the Month: Industrial Response, Electrical Burn

Time:

3-5 minutes (includes drying time).

Skill Level:

Intermediate

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

• Setting powder, flesh tone
• Latex, clear
• Wax, skin tone
• Color stix, burn red
• Color stix, black
• Moulage gel, blood
• Pre-made blisters

Equipment:

• Make-up brush
• Palette knife
• Make-up sponge

Technique:

Using a palette knife, place a medium-sized amount of wax onto the skin, approximately 2" or to desired size. Apply additional wax as needed to create multiple burn pockets.

Using the flat edge of the palette knife, blend the peripheral edges of the wax into the skin (care should be taken to maintain the wax depth in center) by gently smoothing the edges outward and creating a "clean" edge that naturally fades. See Figure 1.

Using clear latex, lightly coat entire surface of wax, ensuring all topical areas and edges are completely covered. Allow latex to dry. See Figure 2.

Using a make-up sponge that has been dipped in burn red color, create reddening over the wax by lightly blotting the make-up sponge to the surface of the skin and blending outward into surround skin. See Figure 3.

Using edge of palette, create indentations and skin tears by dragging the tip of the palette knife across and through the wax, gently opening the center to expose the underlying skin. See Figures 4, 5.

Using blood gel, place a large drop of gel inside the tear opening. Allow blood to pool slightly before spreading out with a paintbrush to cover openings. See Figure 6.

Using a small paint brush that has been dipped in black colorant, create skin charring along the edges of the wound opening. See Figure 7.

Using clear latex, gently glue static blister to edges of burn opening. See Figure 8.

Dispatch:

Medic 12, Respond Code 3, Hoffman Canning & Warehouse, Hwy 7, Unknown injuries. 0315 hrs. Dispatch clear.

On Scene:

Using a make-up sponge, create skin mottling by applying white makeup to the face of adult simulator and blending well into hair line. Apply electrical burns to palm of hand and underarm. Using a large blush brush that has been dipped in light white powder make-up, lightly dust clothing around the cuff, front and underarm of shirt. Create an appearance of dishevelment by tussling the hair and applying an abrasion and small amount of moulage blood to the back of the head. Place simulator against the wall, with small pools of water on the floor.

Use in Conjunction With:

• 1st & 2nd degree burns
• Multi-casualty wounds
• Odor: Singed skin

Helpful Hint:

Need a latex-free option? Clear moulage gel may be used in place of latex. Proceed through next steps as described.

Cleanup and Storage:

Carefully remove burn wound from the skin of simulator. Using your fingers or paper towel, grab and lift wound around the edges. Using a gentle upward motion, continue to peel away the wound until all 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 FREE training tutorials at www.moulageconcepts.com.

Bobbie Merica is a medical/trauma moulage expert, author and President of Moulage Concepts, a nationwide moulage company specializing in training, supplies and education. Utilizing best practice techniques, Bobbie's teaching methods have simplified the complex, enabling everyone to create moulage that is quick, cost effective and convincing. Get her free tutorial blog with expert weigh-in at www.moulageconcepts.com/blog and join us in creating moulage that looks, feels, sounds, and even smells like the real thing! Recipes are referenced from Emergency Moulage—Making Your Simulations Come Alive.