Frequently asked questions about
LifeTec Rescue Training Dummies

This is not an exhaustive list; any questions not addressed here can be directed to info@lifetec.com.au

Who manufacturers the dummies ?
All dummies are manufactured by Ruth Lee Ltd in Wales, UK. 

Who are Ruth Lee Ltd? 
Ruth Lee Ltd is Europe’s leading manufacturer of rescue training manikins; they have been manufacturing equipment for the European emergency services for over 30 years. See www.ruthlee.co.uk

How much are they?
That depends on which dummy you want - prices are listed on each model page and on the downloadable price list on the documents page.

How are the dummies made?
All the different models are made in basically the same way but with different materials (see next FAQ), with an inner ‘body’ weighted with aggregate or steel shot to human proportions, held inside the outer carcass. The aggregate is distributed around the body in weighted packets in such a way that ‘slumping’ of the weight is prevented, allowing the dummy to maintain its form during and after use.  For more information go to the 'core construction' page

What materials are used in the construction of the dummies?
The three main dummy types Flame Retardant (FR), Water Rescue (WR) and General Purpose & variants (GP), all use different materials; the GP dummies (our most popular models) use heavy duty canvas, Nylon and polyurethane foam, whilst the FR models are made using a mixture of glass fibre, PBI Gold and heat resistant foam. The WR dummies use PVC, Nylon mesh and non absorbent foam. All dummies apart from the FR models are reinforced using high density polypropylene webbing.  

Why do you use stone aggregate?
The aggregate provides the weight for all the different models; it has no sharp edges, provides enough flexibility and drains well. 

How do Ruth Lee dummies compare with the likes of Simulaid’s Rescue Randy?
They are cheaper to buy, far more realistic in use (acting as a truly unconscious casualty would) and are more robust in many ways. The FR dummies are more heat resistant, while the WR dummies will float exactly as an unconscious casualty would at an angle of approx 45 degrees in the water. 

Why are they better than the cheap sand/rag filled alternatives on the market?
For all the reasons above, while still being value for money.  

Who uses them?
In Australia they are used by the Electricity Companies, Police, Fire Services, Surf Life Saving, Rescue Training companies etc. In the UK 100% of the Fire Services and emergency services. Ruth Lee Ltd also has contracts to supply The British Ministry of Defence (MOD) including the British Navy, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), international and local airports worldwide, hospitals and ambulance services all use our rescue dummies. They are also used widely across industry. 

Where can they be used?
It never ceases to amaze us where the dummies are used, from the obvious use within the emergency services were they can be used in situations too hazardous or uncomfortable for human volunteers, to murder victims for television companies. These products are perfect for simulating rescues from height, confined spaces, static and fast flowing water or extrication from vehicles and collapsed buildings.

Is there a warranty period?
Although it is impossible for LifeTec / Ruth Lee Ltd to provide a warranty for these products simply because of the circumstances in which they are used, the Company will always replace any product that is defective due to faulty materials or workmanship.

How do I look after my dummy?
These products are extremely robust, but care should always be taken when using them around sharp or jagged objects - particularly the sharp metal in RTA rescues.  If you treat the dummy the same way you would a real casualty they will last for years.  The dummies should always be hung up (using the webbing loop on the back) if they get wet.  Ruth Lee Ltd always recommends the use of the protective overalls or other protective clothing.
Not only do the overalls protect the carcass of the dummies during use, but they can be machine washed to keep the dummy clean; whilst this may not be important to Fire Services, it is certainly important when they are used in hospitals or schools etc. Should the carcass get dirty, it can simply be scrubbed clean with warm water and a mild detergent.

For a copy of the handling and care instructions supplied with the dummies click here. 

Do you have a risk assessment prepared for the dummies?
Yes we have a risk assessment and an equipment note covering the whole dummy range, this information can be found on our website www.ruthlee.co.uk at the bottom of the Training Dummy page.

Can we buy replacement overalls and boots?
Yes, these items can be replaced relatively cheaply. See overalls price list

What accessories are available for the dummies?
A range of accessories are available for Ruth Lee rescue manikins: Kevlar lined leg protectors, thermal tabards and heat packs, injury armbands and weighted vests in both 10 and 20Kg weights. See the accessories page

Can the manikins be dropped from a height e.g. from a second story window?
Yes, these manikins will survive an accidental fall from a second floor window, but Ruth Lee Ltd would not recommend that anyone purposely do this. The manikins will of course survive a fall from height onto a recognised safety product designed for that purpose. 

Can you drive over a dummy in a vehicle?
Yes, we have driven over a number of dummies in a 4wd vehicle during testing and they suffered no damage at all. 

Can I fit a standard safety harness to a dummy?
Yes

Can the loop on the back be used to lift or lower the dummy?
Yes, the high density webbing loop on the back is an integral part of the dummy and will easily support the weight of the heaviest models when lifting or lowering.  If the dummy is likely to be 'dropped' and jerked we recommend using a safety harness to take the load.

Can I use the thermal vest in water?
Yes, although you will need to use heat packs that are suitable for water immersion. The standard packs supplied with the vest are not designed for in-water use. 

Are the heat packs used in the thermal vests re-usable, can I use my own supplier for them?
The heat packs supplied with the thermal vests are not reusable, replacement heat packs can be ordered from us although any proprietary heat packs will do.  

Do you have N.A.T.O stock numbers for the dummies?
Yes, we can provide N.S.N numbers for the RL10, RL20, RL30, RL50 & RL70 General Purpose dummies, we can also supply them for the water rescue ‘man overboard’ dummies.  See Documents for NATO numbers.

Do you make a bag to carry or store the dummies in?
The dummies are delivered in a tough Polyethylene delivery bag, but we can provide a purpose made carry/storage bag if required.  See accessories

How do I dry the Water rescue dummies?
Because the Water Rescue dummies are made from a tough Nylon mesh, water will very easily drain from the carcass; holes are also drilled in the Wellington boots to aid the process. As with all the dummies, we recommend that these dummies are hung up to dry using the webbing loop on the back of the carcass. 

What temperature will the Flame Retardant dummies withstand?
These dummies are intended to be used for snatch rescues from smoke/fire houses and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures (>300 degrees) for long periods. It should be remembered that the PBI Gold used for the overalls is the same material used for fire kit, and will break down if exposed to naked flame for any length of time. The FR dummies can be used many times at temperatures of between 200-250 degs C without damage, but damage will occur at temperatures in excess of 350-400 degs C. (the boots begin to melt)  

What temperature will the General Purpose dummies withstand?
GP dummies can be used in most circumstances but they should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 100 degs C; neither should they be placed in close proximity to extreme heat sources or naked flames.