WO2012044225A1

WO2012044225A1 - Extrication dummy and method for using the extrication dummy

Info

Publication number: WO2012044225A1
Application number: PCT/SE2011/000168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonsson Bertil; Björnstig ULF
Original assignee: Jonsson Bertil; Ulf Bjoernstig
Priority date: 2010-09-30
Filing date: 2011-09-29
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Also published as: SE536175C2; SE1000968A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to extrication dummy (1) in the form of an anthropometric copy of a human being, intended for use in the training of rescue workers and health care personnel, that includes a spinal column (3) which includes at least one mechanical vertebral movement segment (4) that includes at least one sensor, at least two vertebral bodies (5, 6) and at least one intermediate structure (7). The present invention's unique feature is that it includes a stabilization adjustment device (21) that allows the vertebral movement segment (4) to simulate two operational functions, one first function that simulates a normal healthy human vertebral segment and one second function that simulates at least one type of injured human vertebral segment.

Description

Extrication Dummy and Method for Using the Extrication Dummy Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns an extrication dummy (mannequin) and a method for using the extrication dummy in accordance with the claims. Background of the Invention

A significant problem during emergency rescue and the like, where injured or sick people must be moved from for example a vehicle or a building to some type of medical facility, consists of the actual movement and extrication procedure causing injury, or aggravating already existing injuries of the injured or sick person. Particularly in emergency situations (such as traffic accidents, work related accidents, etc.) and natural disasters (such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc.) where the person being rescued is in a completely or partially destroyed vehicle, building or similar, the risk is especially great for the person being rescued receiving additional injuries in connection with rescue efforts. Exceptionally serious injuries consisting of for example spinal cord injuries are likely to worsen or even occur in connection with rescue operations or movement of injured or sick persons.

Spinal cord injuries are usually caused by trauma or certain types of diseases. For young and middle aged patients suffering from spinal cord injuries, the main cause is some form of trauma. Of those affected by spinal cord injury because of trauma, a large portion are injured in traffic accidents, and even falls as well as diving accidents are relatively usual causes of injury. The consequences of a spinal cord injury are usually very serious for those affected and often lead to a lifetime of severe handicap. The economic impact of spinal cord injuries is very high for both society and the individuals affected. Because of the serious nature of spinal cord injuries, it is important not to worsen spinal cord injuries in conjunction with rescue work and medical treatment. Damage to the spinal cord can occur along the whole length of the spine, but research shows that most spinal cord injuries caused by traffic accidents are localized to the cervical spine (in the levels of CI -2 and C5-6 in the neck) and at the transition between the thoracic spine (Th) and lumbar (L) Thl0-L2 (see Fig. 1). Conducted research has also further defined a range of all directions of motion between all the vertebrae in the spine. Furthermore the extent of damaging and risky vertebrae movement has also been documented, that is to say movement with the risk of leading to spinal cord injury while the back is instable.

Spinal cord injuries and spinal nerve damage result from direct or indirect pressure on the spinal cord or because of abrasion (wear) in different structures. Spinal cord injuries can also occur due to mechanical instability of the spine or be caused by bleeding/swelling that increases pressure on the spinal cord. Instability of the spine is mainly caused by fractures of the spinal vertebrae. Instability of the spine can also be caused by damage to the ligaments and disks (intermediate vertebrae disk).

To avoid aggravating a sustained neck injury in connection with rescue work, emergency rescue personnel attempt to fixate the injured person's neck and spine very exactly and carefully with the intention of avoiding further injury from movement. Fixation of the neck is done for example by rescue personnel initially performing a manual immobilization of the neck with their hands, which is later supplemented by a rigid neck collar applied to the injured person in the vehicle before he/she is taken out of the vehicle for transport to the emergency hospital for treatment. In cases where the injured person is conscious and has no back pain and has normal sensation and movement of their arms and legs, exceptions to this routine are made, otherwise the above described spinal stabilization routine is standard during rescue work.

During serious injury incidents and emergency rescue situations, the time between the traumatic occurrence and arrival at a hospital is a critical factor for the patient's (injured person's) chance of survival. Because casualties may be unconscious when emergency services arrive at the accident scene, rescue personnel must observe great care during the stabilization of the neck/spine while at the same time removing the injured person out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. This is a difficult task because many factors can complicate rescue efforts. For example, darkness, cold, leakage of fluids, fire risk, vehicle position (on its side/roof) and vehicle location, such as the bottom of a ravine or in water, all complicate rescue efforts. In addition, emergency services personnel sometimes have to move very heavy casualties in confined spaces, requiring the need for great strength and precision during movement, without this resulting in the injured person's spinal column moving in undesirable directions.

In order to reduce the risk of consequential injuries arising in connection with rescue work, emergency personnel train in the movement of people with simulated injuries out from for example a vehicle. The "injured" person provides feedback on how he/she expeii stabilization of the spine during and after movement. The problem with using a healthy person with simulated injury is that a healthy person can with difficulty, in an objective manner, determine if the forces that he/she is exposed to affects the spine's stability.

Currently, there does not exist an objective training tool that indicates if the spine is kept stable or not during movement. Therefore, it is unclear whether current methods for the movement of people with spinal cord injuries is optimal, such as during movement

(extrication) out of for example a vehicle.

Prior Art Dummies (mannequins) that mimic humans which are intended for the training of rescue personnel have long been known in numerous variants. The dummies that are currently used by emergency services, for the training of emergency personnel, have the disadvantage that they do not include functions with which the forces and movements acting on the simulated human spine can be measured. This is caused by the fact that the dummies have no realistically built spines and further no sensors that can detect these forces.

Patent WO2006110629 Al describes a training mannequin for simulating orthopedic injury/treatment, such as during reduction of dislocated peripheral joints, fractures and spinal column injury. The training mannequin is connected to a computer that controls "artificial muscles" in the training mannequin. Furthermore, the mannequin is equipped with sensors for detection of force and position which is transmitted to and registered by a computer. A fictitious joint injury may be simulated with the mannequin, thereby allowing the treating health care professional (doctor) to perform the tasks that the treatment requires, on the mannequin. The training mannequin is connected to a computer that registers the treatment the doctor performs and the equipment can complete a follow-up X-ray in order to verify the results of the treatment. The design according to WO20061 10629 Al differs however considerably from the training dummy in accordance with the present patent application. For example, the mannequin is not intended to be used at an accident (rescue, injury) scene, that is to say in an emergency scenario outside of a hospital, but is instead intended for use in a hospital by doctors. Furthermore, the training mannequin according to its description does not include any mechanical design that allows shearing or angular movement between two simulated vertebrae in the spinal column, instead its purpose is only to measure traction (pull in the spinal columns direction of length) in the spinal column. During emergency injury situations it is of grave importance to avoid large angular movements, rotation, cc and shearing of the spinal column. The training mannequin according to its description is not suitable for use during the training of rescue workers, because it can not simulate these movements. Furthermore, the training mannequin according to its description does not emit acoustic warning signals when its joints are subjected to forces that risk leading to dangerous instability.

Patent GB2463247A describes a training mannequin that has a spinal column with parts that can shear. Its spinal column includes sensors with which force can be measured. The design according to its description differs in substantial ways from the design of the present patent application. For example, the training mannequin in accordance with GB2463247A does not consist of an extrication dummy intended to be used during training of emergency rescue personnel. Furthermore, according to the design described in GB2463247A, it is not possible to simulate a damaged part of the spinal column in a corresponding manner as the extrication dummy of the present patent application. The design according to GB2463247A can not emulate both a spinal columns natural movement and stability and at the same time contain segments that can simulate instability in the spinal column as can the present invention.

Brief Description of the Invention Concept

The main purpose of the present invention is to create an extrication dummy (mannequin) mainly for training purposes especially for ambulance, rescue and paramedic personnel that substantially improve their ability to move injured persons without causing further injury to the injured. Even other professionals such as health care professionals that treat trauma patients can utilize the extrication dummy, for example military medics. Another purpose of the present invention is to create a method for using an extrication dummy in accordance with the present patent application. A further purpose of the present invention is to achieve a design that can be integrated into crash test dummies used in for example automotive, aircraft and other industries.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. Each figure is briefly described in the following figure list. Note that the figures are schematic and details thus may be omitted. The embodiments exemplified in the figures are not limiting for the scope of protection of the present patent application. Fig. 1 shows schematically an exemplified extrication dummy.

Fig. 2 shows a mechanically moving vertebral movement segment included in the dummy's spine having movement traits that essentially mimic a normal undamaged vertebral segment in a real human's spinal column. Fig. 3 shows a mechanically moving vertebral movement segment in the dummy's spine which is intended to simulate the segmental instability of a vertebral segment in a real human's spinal column.

Fig. 4 A shows the included electrical subcomponents within the extrication dummy.

Fig. 4 B shows the included electrical subcomponents outside of the extrication dummy. Fig. 5 A- 5 C shows the preferred embodiment of the intermediate structure.

Fig. 6 A-B show cross-sectional views of the intermediate structure when the actuator is not activated and activated.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the protruding object.

Fig. 8 shows how the intermediate structure's active mode allows for an instable function. Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, an exemplifying form of an extrication dummy 1 is

schematically shown in accordance with the present patent application. The extrication dummy 1 is preferably intended as a training tool for use in a simulated rescue scene. For example the extrication dummy is intended to be used in conjunction with rescue workers training to move injured persons out from crashed vehicles and in to for example an ambulance, helicopter, hospital or similar. The extrication dummy 1 may also be used in other training situations such as for example during the training of movement of persons with, for example spinal injury and/or skeletal injury, during natural disasters and in military exercises. In addition the extrication dummy 1 may also be used by health care personnel and other groups that are involved in the later stages of treatment of suspected spinal cord injury after a trauma or certain other types of illness.

The extrication dummy 1 consists preferably of an anthropometric copy of a human being and thus can be a copy of men, women and children of varying sizes and ages. In order to exteriorly mimic a human, the extrication dummy includes preferably a head 2, to: extremities such as legs and arms just like a real person. Furthermore, the extrication dummy 1 is equipped with joints in its arms and legs that correspond with a normal human being. An extrication dummy 1 designed to mimic a Swedish man of average weight and average height weighs for example about 78 kg and is 178 cm long. An extrication dummy 1 that intends to imitate a Swedish woman of average height and average weight weighs thus 65 kg and is 163 cm long. Even other lengths and weight may be relevant. Furthermore, the extrication dummy 1 may be constructed so that it can be adjusted to scale between different lengths and weights.

A unique feature of the present extrication dummy is that it includes a spinal column substitute 3, whose properties are intended to mimic the same properties of a real human being's spine. The dummy's spine 3 is intended for example to mimic the stability (rigidity) and the segmental mobility of the vertebral joints in a real person's spine. In order to mimic the segmental mobility of a real human's spine, the dummy's spine includes several vertebral bodies. At least two vertebral bodies are included in one mechanically moving vertebral movement segment 4 of the dummy's spine. What is meant by a vertebral movement segment 4 in the present patent application is a first (upper) vertebral body 5 and a second (lower) vertebral body 6 together with at least one intermediate structure 7. An upper vertebral body 5 in one vertebral movement segment 4 may constitute a lower vertebral body 6 in another vertebral movement segment 4, just as a lower vertebral body 6 in one vertebral movement segment 4 may constitute an upper vertebral body 5 in another vertebral movement segment 4. The number of vertebral bodies may vary within the scope of the present invention but preferably corresponds with the number of vertebrae that exist in a real human being's spinal column.

Because the segmental mobility of vertebrae in a real human's spine varies from position to position (level to level) along the spine's length, the vertebral movement segments 4 of the dummy's spine also vary in a similar manner along the length of the dummy's 1 spine 3. In order to achieve a high degree of realism in the properties of the dummy's spine 3, the dummy's spine 3 also strives to have a rigidity which as closely as possible mimics the rigidity, which is created by the vertebrae, muscles, ligaments and discs, in a real human's spine.

The vertebral movement segments 4, in accordance with the present patent application are preferably of at least one first type of movement segment 8 and of at least one second type of movement segment 9. The first type of movement segment 8 consists of an articul segment that stimulates movement of the spine in a human that is not injured (healthy). The second type of movement segment 9 consists of an articulated segment with which a traumatic segmental instability (injury) of the spine can be simulated. The vertebral movement segment 4 may also include a function that can be used to simulate a healthy spine as well as an injured spine. The second type of movement segment 9 has a higher mobility, designed to simulate a part (a movement segment) of the spine that has been damaged by trauma, disease or deformity. Examples of illnesses may for example be cancer or certain rheumatic ailments in the spinal column. The movement segment 9 has a higher mobility in one or more directions relative to the normal movement segment 8. It is known that spinal cord injury occurs with higher frequency in certain levels of the spine than in other levels, the second type of movement segment (movement segments) 9 is preferably positioned on one of these levels. The number of the second type of movement segment 9, with which a mocked instability in the spinal column is simulated, may vary within the scope of the present patent application.

With reference to Fig. 2 is shown an exemplifying embodiment of a mechanical vertebral movement segment 8 that emulates a human movement segment's movement and rigidity. The movement segment 8 includes one first spinous process 10 which is connected to the upper vertebral body 5, and one second spinous process 11 which is connected to the lower vertebral body 6. Between the vertebral bodies 5 and 6 is coupled a mechanical element 12 allowing angular (angular-like) movements in at least one direction. Preferably, the mechanical segment 12 includes at least one spring element 13 or the like which allows angular movement in all directions. Preferably, the spring element 13 may consist of one or more cup springs or the like. The exemplified mechanical element shown in Fig. 2 includes a first cup spring 14 and a second cup spring 15. The cup springs' 14 and 15 size and properties are selected so that they correspond to the simulated disc's height, resistance to motion and range of motion that correspond to the values that human beings have at the same level in the spine. The design may also include artificial facet joints which at each respective level restricts spinal movement in a human-mimicking manner. With reference to Fig. 3 is shown a movement segment 9 with simulated segmental instability, consisting of an upper vertebral body 5 and a lower vertebral body 6 which are connected with at least one mechanical element 16. In order to simulate a normal healthy human vertebral segment, at least one and preferably four mechanical connections consisting of for example a mechanical component that fixates or limits relative movement a connected between vertebral body 5 and vertebral body 6 limiting movement of the vertebral bodies 5, 6 relative to one another. The mechanical element 16 permits angular and/or shear movements in at least one direction. The material of the mechanical element 16 may for example consist of a rubber-based disc surrogate. The material is preferably flexible to simulate traumatic instability in the movement segment 9. The material allows for horizontal shear from 0,1 to a maximum of 10 mm depending on the applied force. Angle change over normal vertebral joint mobility for the movement segment in forward bending, backward bending, lateral bending and rotation should be between 0 to a maximum of 45 degrees, depending on the applied force. Because mechanical movement and aging wears rubber, which alters its mechanical properties, the disc surrogate is interchangeable. It is conceivable that other materials such as synthetic and plastic materials be used to simulate a human spinal disc.

In each respective movement segment 9 is preferably placed at least one sensor 17 in the upper vertebral body 5 and at least one sensor in the lower vertebral body 6. The sensors' 17 purpose is to register the movement changes between the vertebral bodies 5 and 6. The sensors 17 may consist of gyros or sensors that measure acceleration with the ability to measure in one to three planes, so-called three-axis sensors. Preferably, there are also pressure sensors for measuring axial forces which are of importance to the function. For example, the extrication dummy 1 may be equipped with at least one sensor with which eventual compression of the mechanical element 16 (disc surrogate) in the movement segment may be measured. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that only one sensor per movement segment be used for measuring and registering of the desired variables.

In alternative embodiments the dummy may be equipped with sensors that measure instability in the pelvis, sacrum, ribs and extremities. These sensors may be of varying types, for example at least one and maximally four strain gauges may be mounted over a simulated fracture gap in any of the above mentioned fracture locations. Even other types of gauges (sensors) may be conceivable for collecting data from the extrication dummy, such as for example fiber optic grid, optical, inductive, capacitive sensors or electrically doped and mechanically flexible material.

Injury occurs to different levels in the spine depending on the direction of impact that force has against the body. Because of this the extrication dummy is preferably equipped so that one or more movement segments may be locked for shearing, compression, rotatic angular movements before training exercises begin. The extrication dummy may even be equipped so that certain or all directions of motion may be completely blocked in the movement segment. With reference to Fig. 4 A is shown a principle diagram of the constituent components of the electrical function in the extrication dummy. A power source located in the dummy is connected to the electrical function of the components. One or more sensors that lead information to the central processing unit (CPU), which via custom software enables signal processing that can transmit information to a memory device in or outside of the extrication dummy for later analysis of incoming data or to a communications device or indicator. The indicator may be of different types, such as a buzzer, speaker, light or a vibrator. In cases where emergency services and/or ambulance personnel handle the extrication dummy in such a way that a movement segment reaches critical levels of compression, rotation, shear or angular direction between the vertebrae, the indicator is activated. Each respective level in the spinal column of the extrication dummy may have separate outgoing signals in the form of for example sound, light or vibration. In this manner personnel receive immediate feedback during training exercises in cases where movement of the "injured person" has been correct or not. An alternative method of transmitting information from a training exercise is to equip the extrication dummy with a transmitter that can transmit accumulated data via for example Bluetooth or WLAN to electrical equipment outside of the dummy.

With reference to Fig. 4 B is shown a receiver that obtains its information from the transmitter as shown in Fig. 4 A. The information is routed to a computer that can also receive information from a camera/audio device, preferably for the registration of mobile sequences. The computer can be equipped with a memory device for storing data such as for example direction of motion size, force, acceleration in different directions and/or access to the Internet for the distribution of these data. Data from the memory device can then be synchronized and mixed with a video recording or other visual recording means for creating visual feedback to those who performed exercises in connection with extrication of the dummy out from for example a crashed car. Direction of motion, force and acceleration are for example shown graphically or digitally in the video production if any limitations are temporarily surpassed. Limits for risky ranges of movement in a movement section are set according to current scientific knowledge. In an alternative embodiment within the scope of the present invention, the interm structure 7 consists of a device that has at least two operational functions (modes). Its first function may for example be to simulate a normal (healthy) human spine. Its second function may for example be to simulate one or more types of spinal injury. Preferably, the severity or degree of injury may also be controlled and adjusted.

One conceivable way to achieve this alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 5-8 and described hereafter. In this exemplifying embodiment the intermediate structure 7 consists chiefly of a top part (first part) 18 and a bottom (second part) 19 which are preferably moveably arranged in relation to each other. The top and bottom part are held together with a flexible layer of material 20 as for example silicone rubber or similar material that completely or partially encompasses the vertebral movement segment 4. In alternative embodiments it is conceivable that the intermediate structure 7 may consist of fewer or more parts. In this exemplifying embodiment the intermediate structure 7 has both an active and inactive mode. The inactive mode represents a normal or healthy spine, and the active mode represents an injured, deformed or diseased spine. These modes as well as the degree of injury may be accomplished by the intermediate structure 7 consisting of a stabilization adjustment device 21. The stabilization adjustment device 21 includes a movement regulation device 22 which is able to regulate and control the maximal mutual movement between the top part 18 and the bottom part 19. The stabilization adjustment device 21 is intended for creating both instability and stability in the vertebral movement segment 4. The regulation device 22 consists of at least one first member 23 and preferably at least one second member 24. The regulation device 22 is maneuvered from an inactive position to an active position via at least one actuator 25. The inactive position simulates a stable human vertebral segment and the active position simulates an instable human vertebral segment. The actuator 25 may consist of any device that can change its length so as to expand and contract in a controlled manner as for example a spring or similar. The actuator may for example be of a type that is incremental or non-incremental (stepless). This spring may for example consist of at least one two-way memory metal spring. When heated a two-way memory metal spring can for example extend to twice its length and then return to its original length when cooled. In the intermediate structure's 7 inactive mode, the stabilization adjustment device 21 stabilizes or essentially holds firm the vertebral bodies 5, 6 of the vertebral movement segment 4.

The top part 18 has in its axial direction at least one first opening or cavity 26 that may run partially or completely through the part. The top part's 18 shape as well as the cavity's 26 shape may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment the top part 18 may also include at least one second opening or slot opposite its axial direction for a locking device such as a solenoid.

The movement regulation device 22 consists in part of a piston-like element 27 of a shape that essentially coincides with the shape of the cavity 26 of the top part 18. The piston-like element 27 is intended to be moveably arranged within the top (first) part 18 either completely or partially. The piston-like element 27 has at least one, preferably two

indentations (holes) 28 (shown in Fig. 6-8) in its side facing the bottom part. The piston-like element 27 may also for example include a function for fixating one end of for example a spring. This can for example be accomplished by one or more holes (not shown) where for example screws or similar attaching devices can be mounted for fixating one end of for example a spring. The piston-like element 27 may also include a contact surface for a spring or other type of length changing (expanding) device to rest against.

In the exemplified embodiment the bottom part (second part) 19 has an outer shape which essentially coincides with the dimensions and outer shape of the top part 18. The bottom part 19 may include at least one second member 24 consisting of a protruding object on the bottom part's side facing the piston-like element 27. The bottom part 19 in the exemplifying embodiment includes at least one, preferably two protruding objects 24. The protruding object's 24 length and shape may vary within the scope of the present invention. The protruding objects 24 in the exemplifying embodiment have an essentially dome-shaped top (as shown in Fig. 6 A-B) and they essentially coincide with the shape and length of the indentations 28 (holes) of the piston-like element 27. In an alternative embodiment the protruding object may be conically shaped as shown in Fig. 5 C, 7 and 8. The protruding object 24 or objects are intended to align the bottom part 19 with the piston-like element 27 which also keeps the top part 18 and bottom part 19 from rotating when inactive, when the two part rest against one another. The bottom part 19 in the exemplifying embodiment also includes at least one recess, compartment, cavity 29 or the like intended for holding a spring or similar. The exemplifying embodiment includes three compartments. The shape of the compartment or compartments may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. The shape of the compartment or compartments preferably coincides with the shape of the side of the piston-like element 27 facing the bottom part 19. The top 18 and bottom part 19 are held together with a flexible layer 20 of mater example silicone rubber or similar material that completely or partially encompasses the vertebral movement segment 4, which allows relative movement and also gives the enclosed parts their required resistance to movement, and at the same time allowing for all six degrees of freedom when not in an inactive position. This flexible layer 20 allows vertebral bodies 5 and 6 to simulate human vertebral movement and also allows movement between different vertebral movement segments 4 that can simulate the movements of the human spinal column.

In an alternative embodiment the top part 18 may be equipped with a locking function which can for example be accomplished by a so called BLP push action latching solenoid, mounted in a recess on for example the side of the first part 18, or in another location suitable for the purpose, said solenoid being able to lock the top part 18 with the bottom part 19, while they are inactive. In an alternative embodiment the piston-like element 27 may have one or more protruding object 24 with a dome-shaped top, which align with corresponding indentations (holes) in the bottom part's 19 and this essentially keeps the top 18 and bottom part 19 from rotating when inactive. The piston-like element 27 in this alternative embodiment may also include one or more holes where screws or other types of attaching devices for mounting a spring can be placed if needed depending on the type of spring used. One or more holes may for example be placed in the bottom section of each compartment 29, which can be used for screws or similar attaching devices that can fixate for example one end of a spring or similar. The spring or springs may for example only be attached to the bottom part. The spring or springs may for example only be attached to the piston-like element. The spring or springs may for example not be connected at all to either the piston-like element 27 or the bottom part 19.

The movement regulation device 22 includes at least one actuator 25 located in the

compartment 29 of the bottom part 19. The movement regulation device's 22 actuator 25 in the exemplifying embodiment consists of at least one two-way memory metal spring. In the intermediate structure's 7 active mode, at least one actuator 25 is for example heated causing it to extend. This in turn pushes the piston-like element 27 into its upper position allowing greater movement in the top 18 and bottom part 19. This in turn makes the two vertebral bodies 5, 6 of the vertebral movement segment 4 instable which simulates an injured spine. In the preferred exemplifying embodiment is also included at least one sensor that for example is able to detect if two vertebral bodies 5, 6 deviate from allowed limits and this information can for example be used to determine whether the extrication dummy's vertebral movement segment (4) has been moved outside of or kept within the desired limits (paramet information may then for example be used to indicate a harmless or harmful extrication and further movement of the dummy.

If for example the springs (actuators) 25 are made of two-way shape memory brass alloy or a nickel titanium alloy, they are preferably intertwined with insulated Nichrome wire or similar. When this wire (not shown in the figures) is connected to an electrical power source and subjected to electricity, the springs 25 heat up causing them to extend, which in turn lifts the piston-like element 27 up, thus freeing the parts to move on all axis of movement. A control system or other suitable device may be used to regulate the temperature of the springs to around 90 degrees Centigrade. As soon as the springs are powered down, they begin to cool and retract. It is conceivable that the control device regulates power to the springs so as to allow for incremental or non-incremental movement. This type of spring is quite solid in its de-energized state, which helps in keeping the vertebral movement segment 4 stable while inactive. The mechanics of the vertebral movement segment 4 allow essentially no movement when inactive, but as it is activated, the spring allows enough movement for a simulated injury to occur. This vertebral device is preferably connected to microcontroller and a circuit that can communicate to a computer. The microcontroller reads the data given by the sensor or sensors located in the vertebral movement segment 4. A possible sensor type, but not limited to this type, that can be used in the exemplifying or alternative embodiment is an Austria Microsystems AS54xx 3D Hall Encoder, that is able to read position, rotation and tilt of a small magnet attached for example to the piston-like part on all axis. Other types of MEMS-sensors could be used such as accelerometers, gyros etc. The readings from the sensor or sensors can be read by an operator who sees the values on his/her computer via the control software. The control software is also used to operate the voltage going in to the springs to heat them up, as well as the solenoid, which locks the vertebral device in its inactive state. The control software needs only a few interactions to operate. Unlock, which pulls the solenoid back and heats up the springs; Lock, which does the opposite; and Set limits, which sets the maximum tolerance of movement allowed before a fatal injury occurs when reading output from the sensor. Besides these, other types of commands such as for example save/load etc. are included to the extent necessary to facilitate functional operation. Such commands are already known by specialists in the field and are therefore not described further.

During use of the extrication dummy 1 the simulated injury parameters (settings) of the dummy are set (programmed) by for example a training instructor or similar. For example, injuries may be simulated in the spine 3 by at least one injured articulated section includes the function for simulating instability in the articulated section, being positioned (or activated) on at least one spinal level where the simulated injury is intended to have happened. After the extrication dummy's 1 injury parameters (settings) have been set (programmed), the extrication dummy is positioned in the location (place) where for example the simulated accident has occurred, from which the extrication dummy is to be removed by rescue and ambulance personnel. After this initial setup the training exercise starts by the personnel that are to be trained, moving to the site where the dummy has been placed. Once rescue workers have arrived on the scene where the extrication dummy is located, rescue work commences and then finishes when movement of the dummy to the place where the simulated rescue effort ends is accomplished. During the time rescue personnel work on their task of rescuing and moving the dummy, a continual measurement and registration of the relevant variables readings occurs. If the relevant variables readings exceed predetermined levels, rescue workers can be immediately alerted to this occurrence. If for example the relevant variables readings exceed predetermined levels during rescue work, this information is then registered and stored on at least one memory storage unit with the intention of the stored information being used for example in connection with the feedback of rescue efforts to those who have performed the rescue work. In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may have been omitted which are apparent to persons skilled in the art within the field pertaining to the method and device. Such obvious design details and methods are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the present method and device is achieved.

Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications of the method and device may become apparent for specialists in the invention's field. All such variations and modifications are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims.

Advantages of the Invention

Several advantages are achieved with the present invention. For example, the risk of emergency rescue personnel training erroneous rescue techniques and procedures that can cause injury beyond the damage that has already occurred when these erroneous methods are used in real emergencies is greatly reduced. Another advantage with the present ii that emergency rescue and health care personnel are able to train for extrication and movement of injured persons with objective documentation on the rescue and movement processes impact on for example an instable spinal column. A further advantage with the present invention is that different extrication methods out from, for example a crashed automobile may be compared in regards to, for example elapsed time, movement in different body parts/spine, etcetera. The present invention can also with advantage be used in scientific study. The present invention can even be advantageously used as a basis for

certification/quality control of rescue and ambulance personnel or other health care professionals. A still further advantage of the present invention is that extrication techniques and methods will be more easily and more effectively optimized.

Claims

1. Extrication dummy (1) in the form of an anthropometric copy of a human being,

intended for use in the training of rescue workers or health care personnel, that includes a spinal column substitute (3) which includes at least one mechanical vertebral movement segment (4) that includes at least one sensor, at least two vertebral bodies (5, 6) and at least one intermediate structure (7) characterized by that the intermediate structure (7) has one first operational function that simulates a normal healthy human vertebral segment and one second operational function that simulates at least one type of injured human vertebral segment, said vertebral movement segment (4) including at least one sensor for detecting and measuring movement of the vertebral movement segment (4) during handling of the extrication dummy (1).

2. Extrication dummy (1) according to claim 1 characterized by that the intermediate structure 7 includes a stabilization adjustment device (21) that can regulate the movement between the vertebral bodies (5, 6) of the vertebral movement segment (4) to simulate two operational functions, one first function that simulates a normal healthy human vertebral segment and one second function that simulates at least one type of injured human vertebral segment.

3. Extrication dummy (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the stabilization adjustment device (21) consists of a top part (18) and a bottom part (19) that are moveably arranged in relation to each other and that the stabilization adjustment device (21) also includes at least one movement regulation device (22) by which the top part's (18) and the bottom part's (19) maximal mutual movement can be controlled.

4. Extrication dummy (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the movement regulation device (22) consists of at least one first member (23) consisting of at least one piston-like element (27) that includes at least one indentation (28) located on the piston-like element's (27) side facing the bottom part (19) and that the movement regulation device (22) also consists of at least one second member (24) that consists of at least one protruding object (24) located on the bottom part (19) and that the protruding object (24) corresponds to the number and shape of the

indentations (28) located in the piston-like element (27) and that the movement regulation device (22) also consists of at least one actuator (25) that reguh

relative distance between the bottom part (19) and the top part (18).

5. Extrication dummy (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the movement regulation device (22) consists of at least one first member (23) consisting of at least one piston-like element (27) that includes at least one protruding object (24) located on the piston-like element's (27) side facing the bottom part (19) and that the bottom part (19) includes at least one indentation (28) located on the bottom part's (19) side facing the piston-like element (27) and that the protruding objects (24) number and shape correspond to the shape and number of the indentations (28) located on the bottom part (19).

6. Extrication dummy (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the actuator (25) consists of a two-way memory metal spring that expands when heated and contracts when cooled.

7. Extrication dummy (1) according to one or more of the previous claims characterized by that the top end of the protruding object (24) is dome-shaped.

8. Method for utilization of the extrication dummy (1) according to claims 1 to 7

characterized by that the dummy's (1) simulated injury settings are initially set by for example a training exercise leader or similar, the dummy (1) then being positioned in the location where the personnel in conjunction with the exercise are to remove the dummy (1) from, after which personnel upon arriving at the scene where the dummy has been placed commence rescue work and movement of the dummy (1) to the place where the simulated emergency terminates at the same time that the readings that at least one sensor takes during the rescue procedure are electronically processed with the intention of the information being used in connection with feedback from the executed rescue work to those that have interest in the rescue effort.

9. Method according to claim 8 characterized by that an alarm or similar is emitted when at least one sensor during rescue work registers readings that exceed the preset limits.

10. Method according to claim 8 and 9 characterized by that data is stored electronically.

11. Method according to one of the claims 8, 9 and 10 characterized by that i is video taped (filmed) and that the video tapes (films) are used in combination with at least one sensor's readings during feedback of the executed rescue procedure to rescue workers.