Introducing the V2 Airway Management Platform

When we first developed our Adult Airway Management Task Trainer, the aim was fairly simple: make a realistic airway trainer that could withstand regular use, be repaired when needed, and remain affordable enough to actually be used for training.

Since then, the model has changed a lot.

Feedback from clinicians, educators and simulation teams has helped us improve the airway mechanics, durability and anatomy. At the same time, we kept getting asked whether the same trainer could be used for more advanced scenarios.

That is what led us to the V2 Platform.

One trainer, more airway scenarios

Instead of developing a separate manikin for every airway problem or procedure, we wanted to build around one core trainer.

The V2 Platform allows different airway inserts, procedure modules and mechanical adjustments to be combined on the same model.

You can start with a standard airway and then change the scenario by adding a difficult airway, secretions, different teeth or a procedure module.

The aim is not to make every possible airway scenario.

It is to give educators a practical way to create more variation without needing a room full of different manikins.

Difficult airways

The interchangeable airway system now includes several difficult airway options.

These include:

• Angioedema

• Supraglottic mass

• Epiglottitis

• Inhalation injury

Each airway is designed around a different clinical challenge rather than simply making intubation harder.

They can be swapped in seconds while keeping the same head and body.

Adjustable airway mechanics

The platform also gives instructors more control over the standard airway.

The airway position can be adjusted anteriorly or posteriorly, allowing the laryngoscopic view to be changed without replacing the airway.

The vocal-cord opening can also be adjusted to simulate narrowing, including scenarios such as laryngospasm or unilateral vocal-cord movement.

Head movement can be restricted where required, and different teeth options can be fitted to introduce additional challenges.

These adjustments can also be combined with the difficult airways and modules.

New procedure modules

We have also developed modules that extend the trainer beyond standard intubation practice.

The SALAD Module allows educators to introduce contaminated-airway scenarios and practise suction-assisted airway management.

The Bronchial Tree Module extends the airway beyond the carina for bronchoscopy and deeper airway training.

The V2 Cric Module adds cricothyroidotomy training to the same platform, with replaceable tissue components for repeated use.

Again, the idea is simple: add the training capability you need without replacing the whole trainer.

Designed to be used

Modularity is useful, but only if the equipment can cope with regular training.

A lot of the development work behind V2.1 has therefore been less visible.

We have strengthened parts of the airway, improved the jaw, tongue and epiglottis mechanics, refined the base and head stability, improved airway attachment and made commonly worn parts easier to replace.

We have also tried to keep consumable parts small and replaceable.

If a neck skin, airway, tooth or tissue insert wears out, we would much rather you replace that part than replace the entire model.

What about existing V2 owners?

We have tried to keep the new platform as compatible as possible with existing V2 trainers.

The new modules and difficult airways are compatible with V2 models, although some older trainers may need an updated neck assembly to use the latest airway-position adjustment system.

If you already own a V2, get in touch with us and we can help check what you need.

Where we go from here

We see the V2 Platform as something we can continue developing rather than a finished product.

There are still airway scenarios, procedures and improvements we want to explore.

As always, a lot of that development will come from people actually using the trainers.

If you use airway task trainers regularly and there is something you think would make training more useful, realistic or practical, we would genuinely like to hear about it.

The V2 Platform, modules and difficult airways are now available from Decent Simulators and our distributors.