George Monibah, ELAB Technologist, conducted a session for Camp xSEL 2024 campers on the importance of simulation for health practitioners in Liberia.
In early July, after a routine simulation with the SimMan 3G, I noticed issues the next day: no visible chest rise, no pulse detection, and failure of other system functions. Inspection showed no air leakage, and the utility tool
Authors: George Monibah, ELAB Technologist
High-fidelity simulators like SimMan 3G are lifelike robots that play a key role in medical education and training worldwide, allowing medical professionals to practice clinical care scenarios, including IV fluid administration, airway management, and emergency response, in a controlled environment replicating real-life scenarios without risking patient safety.
George Monibah, ELAB Technologist, conducted a session for Camp xSEL 2024 campers on the importance of simulation for health practitioners in Liberia. tests failed to pass. I reached out to Laerdal (the supplier) tech support detailing the issues observed. After reviewing the problem and a previous work order, they confirmed the compressor in the right leg needed repair or replacement. Fortunately, with the warranty, we were able to get the leg replacement at no additional cost.
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Out of curiosity, I decided to investigate further to understand why the compressor had stopped working abruptly. Upon opening the leg I found out that the compressor was housed in a metallic cylinder. I discovered that there was a lot of corrosion either caused by the environment (as the simulator wasn’t resistant to salt and our center is just a few feet away from the ocean) or the pressure within the cylinder, as I could see visible water droplets.
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​​I was looking at signs of moisture buildup in a humid environment, which can lead to the growth of mold, corrosion, and even cause short circuits that lead to feedback and malfunctioning of electronic components. This experience was immensely insightful, offering more than just a chance to troubleshoot and resolve the immediate issue with the SimMan 3G simulator. It provided a valuable opportunity to explore the intricate technical workings of the equipment. Now, to address the problem, I accessed the right leg of the simulator, which houses the compressor. Carefully opening this compartment allowed me to expose the compressor and its various components. During this process, I undertook a thorough cleaning of the housing and the circuit board inside. This involved removing any non-conductive substances that could impair functionality and identifying and replacing any faulty components that might have contributed to the issue.
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In addition to resolving the specific problems encountered, this hands-on experience highlighted the importance of maintaining and operating the simulator correctly to avoid similar issues in the future. We have now hygrometer installed in the ELAB to meaure and monitor the level of humidity that the manikins are exposed to. To minize the humidity in the ELAB we now keep the air conditioner on at all times.
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This experience gives me a firsthand look at the impact of the environment and humidity within an enclosed housing on electronic components, and how these factors can contribute to corrosion and moisture build-up over a long period that can affect the performance of these components. The situation improves my problem-solving skills, reinforcing the importance of preventative maintenance and thorough inspections. Moreover, this practical application of my training in simulator maintenance boosted my confidence in handling these issues independently. Solving this problem not only addressed the immediate issue but also deepened my technical understanding of the SimMan 3G compressor mechanisms, better preparing me for future challenges when faced with similar situations.