Vendor Spotlight: Nasco Healthcare – Realistic Training Tools for Real-World Impact
Welcome back to WorldPoint’s Vendor Spotlight, where we showcase the industry’s most innovative training manufacturers. This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight once again on our valued partner Nasco Healthcare. Known for their exceptional realism, durability, and forward-thinking design, Nasco products are shaping the next generation of medical simulation.
We sat down with Colin McBain, Sales Director at Nasco Healthcare, to discuss some of their most essential and advanced training tools—from trusted mainstays like Airway Larry to groundbreaking innovations like Alex Gen AI. Nasco’s mission to equip learners with the skills needed to save lives aligns perfectly with WorldPoint’s commitment to quality education and training.
A Conversation with Colin McBain, Sales Director at Nasco Healthcare
Jessica
Welcome to WorldPoint’s Vendor Spotlight, where we connect with some of the most innovative manufacturers in the industry. With us today is Colin McBain, Sales Director for Nasco Healthcare. WorldPoint and Nasco have worked alongside each other for years to bring the best healthcare products in the industry. So, Colin, how are you?
Colin
Good. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here.
Airway Larry: Updated for Realism, Built for Durability
Jessica
Of course. So, one of the most popular products, Airway Larry...
Colin
We love Airway Larry.
Jessica
Yes! I know there's a new version. Can you talk about those new features?
Colin
Airway Larry has always been one of our most trusted airway management trainers. It’s known for being durable, easy to use, and incredibly effective for teaching intubation. We’ve recently updated the mold to make the head even more lifelike and durable, and we’ve redesigned the stand to provide better support and stability during use.
Jessica
Oh, nice. I love those features. And what about those updates are more effective for training?
Colin
The feedback we got was that the previous version looked a bit outdated. So we gave it a more realistic appearance and improved the anatomy to enhance durability. That means learners can get more practice — especially with intubation — before seeing any wear and tear.
Jessica
Ok, perfect. And who is the ideal audience for Airway Larry?
Colin
It’s ideal for anyone practicing airway management — from basic to advanced. That includes EMTs, paramedics, anesthesia providers, and medical students. Endotracheal intubation is a critical skill that needs muscle memory and repetition, and Larry is perfect for that hands-on practice.
Auscultation Trainer 2.0: Making the Invisible Audible
Jessica
Perfect. And that is a critical skill. And Airway Larry is just one of those essential skill trainers. Another one from Nasco is the Auscultation Trainer.
Colin
We’re really excited about our Auscultation Trainer 2.0. Auscultation is such a critical skill, but it’s difficult to teach using standardized patients — after all, you can’t simulate something like wheezing unless a patient is actually experiencing it. So we developed a trainer that replicates real heart, lung, and bowel sounds in a lifelike, easy-to-use format.
Jessica
Yeah. Perfect. And what makes this auscultation trainer a game changer?
Colin
A few things. First, it’s incredibly user-friendly. Educators can upload real-world sounds to the unit, which is a huge plus. It also lights up to show learners exactly where to place the stethoscope — upper, lower, mid-sternal areas — which helps beginners build confidence. As users get more advanced, those lights can be turned off.
Jessica
So, perfect. And how does this new model compare with other trainers out there in the market?
Colin
Durability has always been a hallmark of Nasco products, and this trainer is no different. It’s highly configurable via an iPad app — either provided or downloadable — and the customization options make it versatile for a wide range of learners. The ability to upload your own sounds? That’s a game changer.
Jessica
Yeah, absolutely. And I know this is a new trainer. Have you received any feedback yet?
Colin
We actually have. We debuted the prototype at IMSH & Arab Health at the beginning of this year and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We're very excited about the opportunity for this new trainer.
Alex Gen AI: AI-Powered Training with Real-Time Feedback
Jessica
As technology advances, Nasco is leading the way with Alex Gen AI. Can you speak about him?
Colin
Alex Gen AI uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to revolutionize how students learn. It’s not just about practice anymore — it’s about real-time feedback and measurable improvement. Instructors can gather detailed session data, while students can actually converse with Alex to build communication and clinical reasoning skills.
Jessica
And we all love feedback because it helps us get better and grow. Who is Alex Gen AI designed for and what makes it an ideal tool for educators?
Colin
Honestly, who isn’t it for? We’ve seen interest from EMS, EMT, nursing, PA programs, and even law enforcement — anyone who needs to practice clinical conversations or de-escalation. It’s also great for high school and CTE programs. The realism helps reduce anxiety and build confidence, especially for new learners.
Jessica
You don’t think of a lot of those.
Colin
It's really exciting! As I reflect on my background in EMS, I wish I would have had the CTE type programs then that we're seeing now. It's a great time to be coming up in healthcare.
Jessica
And what are the key features that you would talk about for Alex?
Colin
Alex comes preloaded with curriculum and scenarios, which helps instructors hit the ground running. It supports vital sign training, auscultation, blood pressure measurement — and it even has a built-in camera to help students see interactions from the patient’s perspective. It’s cost-effective, portable, and powerful.
Trauma-Ready with Rescue Randy and CRiSis
Jessica
While AI is changing patient interaction, we still need hands-on training — especially in trauma and emergency responses. And that's where Casualty Care Rescue Randy comes in. Can you talk a little bit more about that?
Colin
Absolutely! Another one of my personal favorite products. He's been around for awhile. He’s designed for high-stress, high-acuity training like mass casualty events, confined space rescues, and combat care. He’s built tough — you can put him in a collapsed building, in a vehicle crash simulation, even half-submerged in a cold lake. It’s all about realism and safety.
Jessica
How does Rescue Randy's durability and realistic design set it apart?
Colin
Unlike computerized manikins, Randy doesn’t have internal electronics. He’s powered by a simple pump system to simulate bleeding and trauma. That makes him ideal for rugged, field-based scenarios where you wouldn’t want to risk damaging sensitive components.
Jessica
Can you share how teams are using Randy in the field?
Colin
Firefighters, military teams, EMS — they use him for rescue drills, hoist training, and triage. He helps train not only clinical response but also teamwork and communication under pressure. You can train hard without risking harm to a human actor.
Jessica
Absolutely. And, of course, at the core of emergency response trauma is CPR, airway management, and advanced skills. One of my favorites is the CRiSis.
Colin
The CRiSis manikin line has stood the test of time. It’s a comprehensive, all-in-one emergency care trainer that includes CPR, airway, IO, IV, and defibrillation capabilities. It’s tough, reliable, and competitively priced — perfect for programs that need a lot of functionality in one package.
Jessica
With CPR guidelines continually changing, how does Nasco keep CRiSis compliant?
Colin
All of our manikins are user-configurable, which makes it easy to adapt to new protocols. We stay on top of guideline changes and build flexibility into the product so educators can adjust quickly.
Meeting the Needs of Every Age: CHARLIE and TERi
Jessica
Trauma training is vital, but pediatric emergencies present a different challenge. Can you talk about CHARLIE?
Colin
CHARLIE is our neonatal simulator. He’s designed for advanced pediatric care — intubation, CPR, cardiac support. He’s lifelike, easy to use, and cost-effective, which makes him great for both foundational training and skills reinforcement.
Jessica
And for aging populations, Nasco developed TERi. Can you speak a little bit more about her?
Colin
TERi is our geriatric patient care manikin. She’s designed to reflect the real anatomy and physical characteristics of older adults — including skin folds, realistic weight, and full range of motion. You can practice everything from oral care to IV starts to daily living support.
Jessica
And what inspired its development?
Colin
There was a real gap in simulation for the aging population. We created TERi to reflect the needs of long-term care, skilled nursing, and home health settings.
Jessica
How does TERi help build empathy and confidence?
Colin
It has to do with the realistic look and feel. TERi doesn’t have that blank expression most manikins do. She looks like a real elderly patient — like someone’s grandmother — and that emotional connection helps learners engage more deeply.
Jessica
What kind of feedback have you heard from institutions?
Colin
Extremely positive. Educators love the range of skills she supports — including CPR with feedback, lung sounds, and IV practice. TERi is a full-body patient care trainer that bridges clinical training and human connection.
Final Thoughts
Jessica
Colin, thank you for giving us an inside look into your amazing products — from Alex to airway management trainers to Rescue Randy. WorldPoint is proud to partner with Nasco to bring these innovations to educators across the country. Until next time, keep training, keep learning, and keep making a difference.
