A hi-tech and eerily lifelike canine mannequin is giving aspiring veterinary nurses at TAFE NSW Ultimo priceless hands-on experience.

The state-of-the-art canine mannequin was imported from the USA and recently arrived at the campus, allowing animal studies and veterinary nursing students to practice important clinical skills, such as intubating, CPR, bandaging, and even ear cleaning.

TAFE NSW Ultimo Animal Care Head Teacher Erica Steppat said the mannequin, named Astrid, had become like a real pet for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing class and was helping students hone their clinical skills without posing any risk to a live animal.

“Our students are required to know how to assist or perform intubation on an animal for an emergency or as a part of preparation for surgery,” Ms Steppat said.

“This can be a difficult skill to perform, as it involves looking into the mouth of the animal and not getting bitten, and then carefully identifying the larynx and tracheal opening to place the tube. We need to avoid the oesophagus and ensure that we place it in the correct way, and the tube also needs to be carefully selected to match the animal’s size.

“These mannequins provide a realistic platform for our students to gain hands-on experience to become familiar with the procedures and processes in a controlled environment before encountering real-life emergencies.”

Ms Steppat said the mannequins even had feedback monitors, allowing students to get a “green light” when performing CPR at the correct pace and depth.

Vet nursing jobs are in a growth phase, with Jobs and Skills Australia forecasting the number of nurses will increase from the May 2023 figure of 15,200 to 17,300 by May 2033.

TAFE NSW Ultimo veterinary nursing student Julia Pascale has had a long-held love of animals and is working as a vet nurse at Habberfield Veterinary Hospital.

“I've always had a deep passion for animals, and after growing tired of working in the pub industry, I realised I wanted a career where I could truly make a difference in their lives,” Ms Pascale said.

“The TAFE NSW Ultimo animal studies facilities are impressive and even include equipment we don’t have at the practice. Studying here ensures I’m gaining the practical skills I need to help me make a strong start to my career.

“The canine mannequins have been so useful in helping me grow my skills. They’re realistic and have helped build my confidence as I learn and refine the techniques I need to know, without the pressure of practicing on a live animal.”

Media contact: Rob Virtue, Communications Specialist, rob.virtue@tafensw.edu.au