Sacred Heart getting medical mannequin for nursing

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) - Sacred Heart University nursing students will soon get to practice their lessons using a life-like medical mannequin that the school will purchase with a new grant.

The Fairfield-based university announced this week that it was awarded $75,000 for the purchase from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority. The quasi-governmental agency supports nonprofits and other agencies in projects to improve state residents' health.

Ann Barker, chair of Sacred Heart's nursing department, said the medical mannequin known as a SimMan 3G lets students learn from their mistakes without endangering real patients.

The SimMan can be used to check vital signs such as breathing, sweating, temperature, dilation of the eyes and other problems. It reacts positively or negatively to the care given, depending on whether it was appropriate for the problem.