#TOManikin

In this episode of This Old Manikin, I’m joined by Dr. Scott Crawford, MD, FSSH, CHSOS, to dive deep into the world of synthetic ballistics gelatin and its innovative applications in healthcare simulation. We explore how this versatile material is used to create ultrasound-able phantoms and discuss its various other uses in medical training. Together, we examine the differences between traditional ballistics gelatin made from 150 or 300 bloom gelatin and the newer synthetic TPU-based gelatins. We also share insights on how to properly pigment these gels and techniques for melting and casting them to achieve the best results. Whether you're a simulation enthusiast or a medical educator, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert knowledge on making the most of synthetic ballistics gelatin in your simulation practices.
Additional information & citations from Dr. Crawford:
Original Presenter for the ballistic gel course at SimGHOSTS in 2021 (Ballistics Gel, Not just for target Practice any more)
-Tiffany Hamblin
Ordnance gelatin for ballistic studies. Detrimental effect of excess heat used in gelatin preparation
pubmed.ncbi.nl...
Describes method for making natural ballistic gelatin starting with cold water (7-10 Celsius).
Included in Chapter 19 of Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Operations, Technology, and Innovative Practice.
Thermoelastic polymer (generalpolymers...)
Example of prior chemistry work on Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) diluted with mineral oil-
Bury, E., & KOH, A. (2019, April). Mechanical Characterization of the Effects of Paraffinic Oil on the Thermoplastic Elastomer, Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene. In The National Conference On Undergraduate Research, Kennesaw.
MSDS for Humimic Medical gel-
humimic.com/ma...
Melting Point (deg. F) : 198f
Specific Gravity (H2O=1) : 0.91
SECTION 4: Emergency & First AID PROCEDURES
Skin Contact: If contact with molten product occurs, treat as for ordinary burns. Product is nonirritating to the skin.
Inhalation: Not ordinarily required. Product is not expected to cause irritation to the nose, throat or respiratory tract.
Ingestion: Not ordinarily required. Product is generally considered to have a low order of acute oral toxicity

[@MatthewNeedler]

Thanks guys for putting this together!

[@SimulationTek]

No problem sir! Glad you liked it

[@sportsnutt1992]

Thanks David and Dr. Crawford for making this video. I've been waiting for this since I asked about ballistic gel during the Moulage Workshop at SimGhosts. Great information!!

[@SimulationTek]

Thank you for watching! I really tried to get this one out quick. I hope you enjoyed it.

[@amyc.2202]

Awesome work guys! We play around with ballistic gel too and it’s exciting to learn more about it. The temperature issue is definitely a real thing. We found that melted gel in a crock pot sits at 260 F and the combustion can occur (according to the manufacturers) at 275 F. Regardless, it can get smoky if you leave it too long, especially if you add psyllium powder, which can sink to the bottom and burn. Something you could try for things that can’t withstand the heat of the gel (like 3D printed models) is taking a thin ‘disk’ or layer of gel that is cooled and using a heat gun to melt the gel over the item. We do that for our abdominal fetus phantoms and we always carry those ‘disks’ of gel with us in case we need to patch things. :)

[@SimulationTek]

That sounds awesome. Have any pictures of that you wouldn’t mind sharing?

[@egonmilanowski]

Great information about synthetic gelatins! I've purchased so much Knox gelatin that I could put a coworker's stapler in jello everyday for 45 years and still have leftovers

[@SimulationTek]

Hahahahaa. Never was a fan of the office, but that’s a classic scene.