FAQ

All dummies are manufactured by Ruth Lee Ltd in Wales, UK. A family run business for over 30 years.

Ruth Lee Ltd is Europe’s leading manufacturer of rescue training manikins; they have been manufacturing equipment for the European emergency services for over 30 years. See www.ruthlee.co.uk.

All the different models are made in basically the same way but with different materials (see next FAQ), with an inner ‘body’ weighted with aggregate and/or steel shot to human proportions, held inside the outer carcass. The aggregate is distributed around the body in weighted packets in such a way that ‘slumping’ of the weight is prevented, allowing the dummy to maintain its form during and after use. All the dummies have an outer overall of tough Polyester material. These overalls can be purchased as a separate item to help protect your dummy.

The different dummy types - Fire House, Water Rescue, General Duty and it’s variants all use the same outer materials - a tough Polyester material used for the carcass and overall with high-density polypropylene webbing for added strength. The foam used in the General Duty and it’s variants use polyurethane foam sealed in Nylon outers, Fire House models are made using a mixture of Nomex flame retardant overall material, Nomex webbing, Kevlar tapes and heat resistant foam. The Water Rescue dummies use Polyester, Nylon mesh and non absorbent foam. All dummies apart from the Fire House models are reinforced using high density polypropylene webbing.

The aggregate provides the weight for all the different models; it has no sharp edges, provides enough flexibility and drains well. Dummies over 50kg use a mixed ratio of aggregate and steel shot, this allows us to use the same size dummy but much heavier.

In Australia they are used by the Military, Electricity Companies, Police, Fire Services, Surf Life Saving, Rescue Training companies etc. In the UK 100% of the Fire Services and emergency services. Ruth Lee Ltd also has contracts to supply The British Ministry of Defence (MOD) including the British Navy, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), international and local airports worldwide, hospitals and ambulance services all use our rescue dummies. They are also used widely across industry. We currently supply various Australian Defence Forces.

It never ceases to amaze us where the dummies are used, from the obvious use within the emergency services were they can be used in situations too hazardous or uncomfortable for human volunteers, to murder victims for television companies or training new recruits to the funeral industry! These products are perfect for simulating rescues from height, confined spaces, static and fast flowing water or extrication from vehicles and collapsed buildings.

Of course! We stand by our prodcuts.

View the warranty here to see condtions.
 If you have any problem or defect call or email us first.
Email us a photo of the problem.

These products are extremely robust, but care should always be taken when using them around sharp or jagged objects - particularly the sharp metal in RMS rescues. If you treat the dummy the same way you would a real casualty they will last for years. The dummies should always be hung up (using the webbing loop on the back) if they get wet. Ruth Lee Ltd always recommends the use of additional protective clothing if the scenario is particularly aggressive. Not only do the overalls protect the carcass of the dummies during use, but they can be simply hosed down after use. Should the carcass or overall get dirty, it can simply be scrubbed clean with warm water and a mild detergent. Each dummy is supplied with a laminated card detailing how to care for your dummy. If you would like a duplicate just email us and we'll get one out to you. 

Yes, these manikins will survive an accidental fall from a second floor window, but Ruth Lee Ltd would not recommend that anyone purposely do this. The manikins will of course survive a fall from height onto a recognised safety product designed for that purpose.

Yes, we have driven over a number of dummies in a 4wd vehicle during testing and they suffered no damage at all.

Yes, the high density webbing loop on the back is an integral part of the dummy and will easily support the weight of the heaviest models when lifting or lowering. If the dummy is likely to be 'dropped' and jerked we recommend using a safety harness to take the load. (Our dummies also fit any standard safety harness.)

The dummies are delivered in a tough transport bag. Additional carry bags can be bought through our accessories page.

Because the Water Rescue dummies are made from a tough Nylon mesh, water will very easily drain from the carcass; holes are also drilled in the gum boots to aid the process. As with all the dummies, we recommend that these dummies are hung up to dry using the webbing loop on the back of the carcass.

These dummies are intended to be used for snatch rescues from smoke/fire houses and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures (>160 degrees) for long periods. It should be remembered that the Nomex material used for the overalls is the same material used for fire kit, and will break down if exposed to naked flame for any length of time. The Fire House dummies can be used many times at temperatures up to 160 degs C without damage, but damage will occur at temperatures in excess of 200C, (the boots begin to melt!)

General Duty Dummies (and it’s variants - Multi Trauma, Bariatric) can be used in most circumstances but they should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 100C and neither should they be placed in close proximity to extreme heat sources or naked flames.