Stockport based Bariquins, the producers of the 25st (350lb/159kg) training mannequin that can be carried by one person – when it’s not assembled – has introduced Benny to their line-up.
The original Bariquin, ‘Barry’, has been joined by ‘Benny’ and both will be introduced at this year’s Emergency Services Show at the NEC, UK.
Chris Jarratt, the Managing Director of Bariquins said “We live in a multi-cultural society and obesity is a problem faced by communities globally.
“Bariquins recognise this and have introduced Benny into its ‘band of brothers’ to reflect this diversity. Female options will become available too.”
Bariquins won the Spark Stockport ‘Best Business Growth Idea’ competition in 2015 which was worth £15,000 in business support.
The Bariquin was developed after Chris was in a situation where he faced giving First Aid to an obese man who was having breathing difficulties.
With the prevalence of obesity becoming an everyday issue in the emergency and health care sectors, Bariquins have been designed to assist training personnel working in such areas, to safely and efficiently manoeuvre or rescue plus-size people.
Incorrect handling of a plus-size person may result in musculoskeletal or back injuries to emergency personnel, healthcare workers or to the individual being rescued or cared for. Musculo-skeletal Disorders cost the NHS £400 million a year, according to the national charity BackCare. In addition, the market in medical negligence claims is growing annually. Training with a Bariquins’ mannequin can help Governments and organisations who are increasingly under pressure to reduce costs.
Underlining this worldwide concern with obesity and its related issues, Bariquins has already had interest from abroad, including the US, the Gulf region and Australia.
A Bariquin comprises of 15 weighted parts, a jacket plus head, hands and feet. With handles on the larger parts, it can be clipped together in under 10 minutes. The limbs have been designed to flex in a way similar to those of a real person and the filling ensures that weight distribution is representative too. The unique assembly system allows the Bariquin to simulate an amputee. Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity and can lead to amputations.
Using a Bariquin allows new techniques to be devised, designing out risks. Complicated transfers can be rehearsed before moving the actual person. Practising extrications will result in quicker casualty recovery, reduced times spent dealing with incidents, safer handling skills and less injuries to all parties -with fewer compensation claims and reduced staff sick leave. Revenue can also be earned by providing training to other organisations.
