Moulage

From WickedSim

What is Moulage?

The term is a French word for 'molding'. It originated several hundred years ago, casts being made of diseased states (often interesting ones with lumps, bumps or other deformities), then being painted realistically and used for teaching purposes. Moulage is enormously useful in simulating injuries, and is often used to make mass casualty scenarios more realistic. If you Google images for the word 'moulage', you'll acquire a suitably gory array of pictures, but moulage has many other uses.

Why do I need to know about moulage?

One of the most important aspects of simulation is 'buy-in' by participants. For a few cents, you can massively increase the realistic perceptions of participants in your simulations, if you are prepared to learn moulage.

Moulage doesn't have to involve gory skeletonised prosthetic 'limb injuries' (although these too can be fun)! Simply applying make-up and a wig to your SimMan or METI can enhance interaction between the manikin and the participant.

Internet and other resources

There are multiple Internet suppliers for moulage products, but the resourceful simulation expert will often be able to 'roll their own'. More important is gaining initial impetus, and it may be worthwhile finding somebody in your area with an interest in moulage. They don't have to be simulation-aware. Consider engaging one of the following:

• Someone from your local acting school or theatre (they'll probably be fascinated by the opportunities offered in simulation)
• Your local make-up artists (That's make-up, not make-out)!