Lifecast Children with Down Syndrome (Gwen)

Inclusion in practice with our Down's Syndrome Manikin

We present the world's first child manikin with Down's Syndrome from Lifecast Body Simulation. Developed in collaboration with the University of Greenwich and endorsed by the Down Syndrome Association, this is a lifelike representation created from a meticulous 3D body scan of a seven-year-old girl named Gwen, who has Down's Syndrome. Through the use of Gwen's 3D scan, Lifecast Body Simulation has brought the Down's Syndrome manikin to life, also named Gwen.

Authentic Physical Features

Gwen's lifelike features authentically capture common physical characteristics associated with Down's Syndrome, including:

• Low muscle tone
• Challenging airway for intubation
• Smaller stature
• Toe gap
• Almond-shaped eyes
• A single deep crease in the palm of the hand
• Smaller hands and feet

Gwen has spinal instability, which is common in many individuals with Down's Syndrome. By producing a manikin that truly represents a real child with this condition, we are able to open conversations about why she and others with Down's Syndrome should not have their heads tilted/chins lifted.

Clinical Recognition

The Otolaryngology Society in the UK recently used the Gwen Down's Syndrome manikin to instruct on managing challenging airways. The feedback received was: "This is the most lifelike manikin we have ever used in our training."

More than just a training tool, Gwen stands as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity in healthcare education. Lifecast Body Simulation is proud to contribute to raising awareness of Down's Syndrome, while providing healthcare professionals worldwide with an accurate and effective training tool.

Key Features

• Anatomically accurate outer body
  • Single transverse palmar crease
  • Toe gap
  • Low muscle tone
  • Smaller stature
  • Almond-shaped eyes
  • Smaller hands and feet
• Anatomically correct difficult internal airway ensuring correct technique for:
  • Difficult airway
  • ET/NP/OP tube insertion
• Reactive chest that rises and falls with artificial ventilation
• Realistic airway pressures and ventilation volumes
• CPR-capable chest
• Intraosseous insertions in the tibia
• Skin turgor for dry intravenous therapy training
• Closed eyelids with manual opening

Delivery Content

• Female Down's Syndrome manikin
• Transport stretcher

About Gwen

David Halliwell, Founding Director of Lifecast Body Simulation Ltd., expresses: "Gwen is the embodiment of our commitment to creating manikins that authentically represent real people. In collaboration with the University of Greenwich, we have brought this Lifecast and 3D scan of Gwen, a 7-year-old girl with Down's Syndrome, to life."

Read more about Gwen at the Down Syndrome Association