SMRT Task Trainer Surgical Airway: Training Realism Guide

By Products With A Mission | North American Rescue | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to maximize training realism with the SMRT Task Trainer for surgical airway procedures, including cricothyrotomy practice and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

Use the SMRT Task Trainer's gunshot wound presentation to practice surgical airway procedures under realistic trauma conditions, focusing on proper landmark identification and incision technique.

Why realism matters in airway training

Surgical airway procedures like cricothyrotomy are high-stakes, low-frequency skills. Training on a task trainer that simulates a gunshot wound forces you to work around tissue disruption and swelling, which is closer to real prehospital trauma than a clean model. The SMRT Task Trainer is designed specifically for this scenario, so you can build muscle memory for the exact steps you would perform in the field.

Limitations of the SMRT Task Trainer

This trainer is a single-use consumable for educational purposes, not a reusable manikin. Each unit supports one practice session, so you need to budget accordingly for multiple learners. It also does not include simulated blood or tissue layers beyond the gunshot wound presentation, so you may want to add your own moulage for extra realism.

How to train effectively with the SMRT Task Trainer

1. Set up the trainer on a stable surface: Place the SMRT Task Trainer on a non-slip mat or table at waist height. Secure the neck portion so it does not shift during practice. This mimics the positioning you would use on a patient in a tactical or ambulance setting. Check that the trainer does not roll or slide before starting; instability can cause inaccurate incision placement.
2. Identify the cricothyroid membrane landmarks: Palpate the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage through the simulated tissue. The gunshot wound may distort normal anatomy, so take extra time to feel for the depression between the two cartilages. This is your target for the incision. A common mistake is rushing landmark identification—force yourself to verbalize each structure before cutting.
3. Make a vertical skin incision over the membrane: Use a scalpel to make a 1.5–2 cm vertical incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The trainer's material simulates the resistance of human skin, so apply steady, controlled pressure. Avoid cutting deeper than necessary. Do not use a sawing motion; a single firm stroke reduces tissue tearing and gives a cleaner entry point.
4. Perform the cricothyrotomy and insert the airway: Stabilize the thyroid cartilage with your non-dominant hand, then make a horizontal stab incision through the cricothyroid membrane. Insert the tracheostomy tube or bougie, confirm placement by feeling for the tracheal rings, and inflate the cuff if applicable. If you meet unexpected resistance, stop and re-palpate—you may have missed the membrane and be against the cricoid cartilage.
5. Assess and debrief after the procedure: Remove the tube and examine the trainer to see if your incision was centered over the membrane. Compare your technique with a reference image or instructor feedback. Note any deviation in angle or depth for future practice. Document your time and any errors in a training log to track improvement over multiple sessions.

Product details

SMRT Task Trainer - Surgical Airway with Gunshot Wound: The SMRT Task Trainer - Surgical Airway with Gunshot Wound is a specialized training tool designed for practicing surgical airway procedures in a simulated trauma scenario. It lets you practice cricothyrotomy on a model that mimics the tissue disruption of a real gunshot wound, making your training more transferable to emergency field conditions.
SMRT Task Trainer - Surgical Airway with Gunshot Wound