How to Make Simulated Blood for First Aid Training

Simulated blood plays a vital role in first aid training by improving the realism of emergency scenarios. It helps learners develop a stronger psychological preparedness and enhances their ability to manage real-life trauma events. This document outlines how to create realistic, safe, and washable fake blood suitable for first aid simulations.

Ingredients and Materials

·       Water (350 ml) – base liquid.

·       Corn syrup or glycerine (100 ml) – adds viscosity, mimicking the thickness of real blood.

·       Red food colouring (1–2 tablespoons) – provides the primary colour.

·       Blue or green food colouring (a few drops) – adds depth and realism.

·       Cocoa powder or instant coffee (1 teaspoon) – creates opacity and darkens the mixture for aged blood appearance.

·       Cornstarch (optional, 1 tablespoon) – thickens further if needed.

·       Mixing bowl and whisk or hand blender

·       Storage container or squeeze bottles

Preparation Steps

1.     Mix base liquid: Combine water and corn syrup or glycerine in a mixing bowl.

2.     Add colouring: Stir in the red food colouring until the liquid reaches a vivid crimson. Adjust gradually.

3.     Darken the tone: Add 2–3 drops of blue or green colouring to produce a more lifelike hue.

4.     Add opacity: Mix in cocoa powder or instant coffee for realism. Whisk thoroughly to prevent clumping.

5.     Optional thickening: Add cornstarch if a thicker consistency is needed. Blend until smooth.

6.     Test and store: Apply a small amount to fabric or skin to evaluate appearance and washability. Adjust as required. Store in a sealed container, refrigerated if unused for more than 24 hours.

Safety and Practical Considerations

·       Skin Safety: Use food-grade ingredients to minimise irritation.

·       Washability: Cocoa and red dye may stain fabrics; test on inconspicuous areas.

·       Environmental Cleanup: Use plastic sheets or washable surfaces during training.

·       Shelf Life: Homemade blood typically lasts up to a week refrigerated.

Application in Training

·       Wound moulage on mannequins or actors

·       Trauma bandaging scenarios

·       Bleeding control drills

Ensure all participants are briefed on the presence of simulation elements to avoid psychological distress.

Conclusion

Creating simulated blood enhances the realism and effectiveness of first aid training without requiring specialist materials. With simple kitchen ingredients, trainers can provide a powerful and immersive learning experience that better prepares participants for real emergencies.

Sources:

·       St. John Ambulance Training Resources – https://www.sja.org.uk

·       University of Portsmouth – First Aid Simulation Study – https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/simulated-wounds-improve-first-aid-training