MEDICFX: SIMira Newborn Life Support Training Manikin

SIMira® is a purpose-built newborn life support training manikin developed to meet the real-world needs of neonatal educators, simulation centres, and clinical training programmes. Designed and manufactured by MEDICFX in New Zealand, SIMira delivers high clinical fidelity for critical neonatal procedures while remaining simple to operate, maintain, and reset between learners.

Unlike complex electronic neonatal simulators, SIMira focuses on hands-on procedural realism and efficient teaching workflows. This clinical task trainer enables instructors to concentrate on learner performance, decision-making, and team dynamics rather than troubleshooting software, sensors, or charging systems. This makes SIMira particularly well suited for high-throughput education environments such as NICUs, hospitals, universities, and regional simulation centres.

Designed for neonatal resuscitation and life support training

SIMira is intended for post-delivery newborn life support training rather than obstetric or birthing simulations. The manikin represents a full-term, hypotonic newborn, allowing learners to practise essential neonatal interventions in a realistic yet controlled setting. SIMira supports training aligned with Newborn Life Support (NBLS), the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and neonatal modules within Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

The manikin enables integrated scenarios that combine airway management, ventilation, chest compressions, vascular access, and medication preparation. Educators can run both individual skills stations and full resuscitation scenarios without reconfiguring equipment or changing manikins.

High-fidelity airway and ventilation performance

SIMira features an anatomically accurate neonatal airway designed to support both oral and nasal intubation. The airway anatomy allows realistic laryngoscopy, tube placement, jaw thrust, and mask seal techniques. SIMira is compatible with commonly used neonatal airway devices, including uncuffed and cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETT sizes 3.0–3.5) and size 1 supraglottic airways such as Classic LMA and i-gel.

Functional silicone lungs provide visible bilateral chest rise during positive pressure ventilation using a bag-valve-mask or T-piece resuscitator. Learners receive immediate visual and tactile feedback on ventilation effectiveness, while instructors can demonstrate correct technique, airway positioning, and seal. Audible airflow can be assessed with a stethoscope, supporting teaching around correct tube depth and avoidance of mainstem intubation.

Replaceable upper airway modules extend product lifespan and allow rapid reset between sessions, supporting repeated airway practice without compromising realism.

Neonatal CPR and chest compression training

SIMira’s chest is anatomically accurate with realistic compliance and recoil, enabling effective neonatal CPR training. Learners can practise both the two-finger technique and the encircling two-thumb technique at appropriate compression depths for newborns. The manikin is designed to support the standard 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio used in neonatal resuscitation protocols.

The chest structure is robust enough for repeated compressions while maintaining realistic resistance, allowing instructors to run high-volume training sessions without degradation in performance.

Umbilical venous and arterial access

SIMira includes a realistic three-vessel umbilical cord with two arteries and one vein, supporting both umbilical venous catheterisation (UVC) and umbilical arterial catheterisation (UAC) training. The internal fluid reservoir allows learners to confirm correct placement through aspiration and flushing, closely mirroring real neonatal procedures.

Umbilical cords are replaceable and can be trimmed to replicate post-delivery stump lengths. This enables educators to teach accurate identification of vessels, depth of insertion, securement techniques, and adherence to NBLS and NRP procedural guidelines. The system is designed for quick flushing and drying after use, minimising turnaround time between sessions.

Intraosseous access training

SIMira supports neonatal intraosseous (IO) access via an anatomically accurate proximal tibia insertion site. Replaceable tibial bone inserts allow multiple insertion attempts per bone, enabling uninterrupted teaching during group training sessions. The IO system supports commonly used neonatal needle sizes, allowing learners to practise landmark identification, insertion angle, and tactile feedback associated with successful placement.

The replaceable design ensures durability and cost-effective ongoing use, making SIMira suitable for repeated skills training across cohorts.

Peripheral IV cannulation with flashback feedback

A functional peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation system is integrated into SIMira’s left arm. The simulated vein can be filled with training fluid, and syringe-driven positive pressure provides realistic flashback when cannulation is successful. This allows learners to practise needle control, angle, and confirmation of vessel entry under conditions that closely resemble real neonatal IV access.

The IV system supports repeated use with replaceable tubing, ensuring consistent performance across training cycles.

Nasogastric tube insertion

SIMira includes functional nasal passages and a simulated stomach cavity for nasogastric (NG) tube placement training. Learners can practise measurement, insertion, and confirmation of tube placement through air aspiration. The system provides realistic resistance and tactile feedback during insertion while remaining simple to clean and reset after use.

Built for efficiency, durability, and low maintenance

SIMira is manufactured from medical-grade platinum silicone with internal soft tubing and silicone lung components. The full-body casting delivers realistic weight, flexibility, and handling characteristics appropriate for newborn training. Optional hand-punched hair and enhanced cosmetic finishes are available for programs that require maximum visual realism.

The manikin requires no electronics, batteries, or software updates. All functional systems are mechanical or fluid-based, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and total cost of ownership. Replaceable consumables are designed for quick swap-out, enabling instructors to reset stations rapidly during high-volume teaching.

Ideal for modern simulation programmes

SIMira is well suited to hospitals, NICUs, universities, simulation centres, and regional training programs seeking reliable neonatal life support training without the complexity of high-end electronic simulators. The infant simulator‘s balance of fidelity, durability, and ease of use makes the pediatric skills trainer an effective platform for both novice learners and advanced clinical staff maintaining critical neonatal skills.

By combining multiple neonatal procedures into a single integrated manikin, SIMira supports consistent, repeatable training that aligns with current resuscitation standards while remaining accessible and cost-effective.