Moulage

PAGE WARNING: Graphic images ahead. PAGE WARNING: Graphic images ahead. PAGE WARNING: Graphic images ahead.

From Wikipedia: Moulage (French for 'casting, moulding') is the art of applying mock injuries for the purpose of training emergency response teams and other medical, military, or paramilitary personnel. Moulage may be as simple as applying pre-made rubber or latex "wounds" to a healthy patient's limbs, chest, head, etc., or as complex as using makeup and theatre techniques to provide elements of realism (such as blood, vomitus, open fractures, etc.) to the training simulation...

...In modern terms, the word moulage refers to the use of "special effects makeup (SPFX) and casting or moulding techniques that replicate illnesses or wounds" in simulation based techniques. Common examples include designing diabetic wounds, creating burns or other illness effects, like dermatological rashes and gunshot wounds...

...These illness and injury effects are applied to training manikins or simulated or standardized patients for training or other purposes. Simulation staff attend training to learn these techniques. It is argued that the use of moulage in simulation improves realism or participant buy-in. Moulage is an emerging field of research for paramedicine, radiography and medical education, with researchers exploring how moulage contributes to learning in training. Military training utilizes highly-authentic moulage techniques to desensitize to graphic wounds, prepare for battle, and treat injuries.

In Portland NET, moulage is used to add realism to exercises, desensitize reactions to wounds, and add an element of productive stress. PBEM and Portland NET does not have its own in-house moulage team. Moulage services are typically provided by Cascadia Moulage, a Portland-area nonprofit organization.