JAPAN: H1N1 flu simulator is showcased at a security and safety trade expo

Record ID: 401801

  • Title: JAPAN: H1N1 flu simulator is showcased at a security and safety trade expo
  • Date: 23rd October 2009
  • Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (OCTOBER 22, 2009) (REUTERS) MEDICAL STAFF WATCHING A HUMAN-LIKE SIMULATOR WITH H1N1 FLU SYMPTOMS SIMULATOR MAKING COUGHING SOUND AND STAFF LISTENING SIMULATOR MAKING COUGHING SOUND WATER COMING OUT OF SIMULATOR'S FACE SIMULATOR'S LEGS SHAKING MONITOR SHOWING HEART RATE MONITOR SHOWING HEART RATE GOING DOWN MEDICAL STAFF SECURING CLEAR AIRWAY MORE OF
  • Embargoed: 7th November 2009 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Japan
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Health,Science / Technology
  • Reuters ID: LVA9EB8OYRR4PQ6GU97L0CQDZPNW
  • Story Text: Japan, home to cyborgs and robots that work or play, showcased an H1N1 simulator robot at a security and safety expo in Tokyo on Thursday (October 22).
    Its creators said the simulator which is in the shape of a human being displays flu symptoms. People in the healthcare sector can use the simulator to practice treating the infected and prepare for a possible pandemic.
    The robot, manufactured by U.S. firm METI, exhibits convulsions, sweats and even tears and becomes more ill unless proper treatment is administered and dies.
    "We expect a shortage of medical staff if we see an outbreak in Japan in the future so this simulator allows all medical staff, who are not used to being around emergency situation, to practice in preparation for an actual pandemic," said Kazutaka Yoshikawa, education team personnel at Japanese importer of simulator, IMI Co.
    The Japanese government has stop announcing the number of infected cases to date, but the Welfare Ministry estimates on average 25 million Japanese will contract the disease within the next year. At least 25 people have died in Japan since its first fatality in August.
    Along with the H1N1 simulator, a blow-up medical tent attracted many visitors. The tent, which inflates in just 3 minutes, is manufactured by Japanese company Achilles and is slated as an item which will also help in the battle against H1N1.
    "If we were to face an actual pandemic in Japan, we can combine several of these tents and create an independent medical centre. These tents can be utilised since it takes about another 6 months for everyone in Japan to obtain vaccines," said Ikuo Ozaki, manager of sales department at Achilles.
    Other booths at the expo displayed various medical suits, masks and air purifiers -- all designed to protect people from the deadly virus.
    "I think it's extremely important for companies to prepare for the pandemic. My company's been working on all sorts of risk management," said 57-year-old businessman Hidenori Konomi.
    Many visitors working in the field of risk management and security said they have learned a lot from the expo.
    "I feel safe now that I've seen these precautions against worst cases," Risako Katsumata, risk management personnel at a Japanese company, told Reuters.
    Others say more information is needed to fully protect themselves.
    "I feel safe, but I want to know when exactly to use these tools," said Ryosuke Tokoro, 28, a security businessman.
    The global flu outbreak, declared a pandemic in June, could eventually affect 2 billion people, according to World Health Organisation estimates.
    The virus has killed more than 800 people worldwide since emerging in April and healthcare staff around the globe are bracing for a second wave of cases.
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