Moulage of the Month: Industrial Response, Limb Caught in Machinery

Time:

8-10 minutes (not including dry time)

Skill Level:

Advanced

Supplies:

Silifix gel set

Slo-flow blood

Translucent setting powder

Flesh-tone setting powder

Black makeup

Shredded cotton ball

Equipment:

Palette knife

Tongue depressor (2)

Blush brush

Paint brush, fine point

Palette board

Technique:

Using a palette knife, spread a thin layer approximately 1/8" thick of combined Silifix over the top of the hand, wrist and stretching upward toward the elbow. Working quickly, blend the outer perimeter of the Silifix gel into skin. To blend, use the flat edge of your utensil, smooth the perimeter of the Silifix edges outward, thinning the material and blend it into the skin. To combine the Silifix, use separate instruments (palette knives or tongue depressors) to remove approximately 2 cc each of Silifix gel set A and B in equal portions, and place them on palette board to activate. Note: To ensure long term integrity of both products, use separate utensils to remove product from each container prior to combining on palette board, as the combination of products creates a chemical reaction that readies it for use and causes it to solidify. Allow gel to air dry for two to three minutes or until dry to the touch. See Figures 1 and 2.

Apply translucent setting powder to "degloss" the gel and blend it into victims skin tone. Using a makeup blush brush that has been dipped in powder (gently tap edge of brush to container to release the excess powder) brush the surface of the Silifix until matte or no longer shiny. See Figure 3.

Carefully cut long gashes or openings into the Silifix after it sets. Using additional Silifix as glue, adhere a small piece of shredded cotton into the gashes by gently pressing the cotton under the skin with a tongue depressor. Push the cotton further into the opening to cause the top skin piece to lift off of the skin and create dimensional tissue underneath the skin. See Figure 4.

Continue to gently lift the edges of the skin piece, adhering additional cotton under the wound. See Figure 5.

Create wound dimension. Using a small paint brush dipped in Slo-flow blood, lightly coat the cotton with the mixture to create "puckering" and wound dimension. See Figures 6 and 7.

Using a fine-point paint brush dipped into black makeup, create machinery teeth marks on the lower fingers and across the nail beds. Apply blood over the teeth marks. See Figure 8.

Using a small paint brush, apply additional Slo-flow blood to the inside edge of the Silifix, allowing the blood to pool and flow downward with gravity. See Figure 9.

Dispatch:

Station 12, Rescue 1332 respond Code 3, Kirks Manufacturing at Industrial Park and Mason. Unknown Injuries. Chino City Fire in route 1530 Dispatch clear.

On scene:

Place the simulator in a shredded shirt. Using a pair of scissors, create large cuts, tears and rips on arm and cuff of an old, flannel shirt. Create a moulage wound on the hand, wrist, elbow and upper arm of simulator. Using a makeup sponge, apply white makeup to the face of an adult patient, blending well along jaw line. Create beads of sweat on the skin by applying a light mist of pre-made sweat mixture to the forehead, chin and upper lip of patient. Place patient slumped near conveyor belt, with shreds of clothing still entangled in gears. Create large pools of (non-staining) blood near the equipment, around the patient and on the shredded areas of clothing.  Instruct the patient to appear awake but non-responsive.

Use in conjunction with:

Blood, congealed

Cleanup and storage:

Carefully remove wound from skin of victim. Use your fingers to lift the wound around the edges of the Silifix. Using a gentle upward motion, continue to peel away the wound until all Silifix has released from the skin. Using a soft, clean cloth or makeup remover towel, remove the makeup and any remaining product residue from the skin per manufactures instructions. Allow shredded shirt to air dry before storing in moulage box for future use.

Bobbie Merica is a medical/trauma moulage expert, author and owner of Moulage Concepts Inc., a nationwide moulage company specializing in training, supplies and certification. 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!