University Mannikins Repurposed by Elite Police Team

A Southern Cross University donation has seen two unsung heroes take on a new life-saving role with the Queensland Police Service Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). SERT is a police tactical unit that supports Police during incidents such as counter terrorism operations, siege and hostage situations.

Hi-tech patient simulators 'Geoffrey' and 'Wallace', valued at $100,000 each, have helped train hundreds of future nurses over four years. The duo has endured innumerable chest compressions, vital sign checks, intubations, canulations, pokes and prods, without a word of complaint.

Distressed by the prospect of sending these 'ageing men' to landfill, Faculty of Health Technical Officer, Monique Hatchman, set out to find them a new home and purpose.

"They're an amazing resource that I didn't want to see just thrown away," Monique said, "and they're so heavy it takes a stretcher to move them. So that realistic body weight is really helpful for police training exercises."

Faculty of Health Executive Dean, Professor Julie Jomeen, farewelled Geoffrey and Wallace, as they were loaded into SERT's imposing Lenco Bearcat in front of surprised students at Southern Cross University's Gold Coast campus.

"We are a university embedded in our community and for the good of our community. This is another small part that we can play in supporting our fantastic emergency services," Professor Jomeen said.

Accepting the donation on behalf of Queensland Police, a SERT officer – who can't be identified – said staging training for specialist medics is very costly.

"To have these simulators at our fingertips will enhance our medical capabilities required for operational responses. It also means we will be able to create realistic emergency scenarios to ensure our training meets current real-world incidents." he said.

SERT Officers reassured University staff they will get updates on the beloved pair's high-risk adventures and selfless service.

"They'll have a great future, and we'll look after them very well."