The Surprising Ways Mannequins are Being Used

Who says mannequins are used strictly in retail apparel stores? While this is certainly one of the most common reasons why people purchase mannequins, they are also used for a variety of other purposes. To learn more about the surprising ways in which mannequins are used, keep reading.

CPR Training

Yep, lifeguards, medics, nurses and other professionals use mannequins for CPR training. Because they are designed to mimic the shape, size and appearance of humans, mannequins are the perfect tool for the job. They allow instructors to show exactly how CPR should be performed, including both chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing. You might feel a little silly giving CPR to a mannequin, but it's more effective that using a torso-only dummy that looks nothing like a human.

Sewing

Of course, mannequins are also used for sewing projects. Want to create your own dress but can't seem to hold it in place? Tack the garment to a mannequin while you perform the necessary sewing. There are even some mannequins designed with soft bodies that hold pins and needles, making them particularly effective for sewing projects such as this.

Presence Simulation

According to data published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a home is broken into once every five seconds in the U.S. While nothing deters break-ins more than a security system, using mannequins to achieve "presence simulation" can also help. The term presence simulation is used to describe the act of making it appear that someone is home is even they are not. Burglars often target unoccupied homes, simply because they have a lower risk of being caught. You can deter such burglars, however, by setting up mannequins in your home. If the mannequin is somewhat hidden behind a curtain, it will create the shape of a human, at which point burglars would probably skip your home.

Artwork

We talked about this in a previous blog post, but it's worth mentioning again that mannequins are used in artwork. In fact, some artists have entire exhibitions dedicated to mannequins. The versatility and uniqueness they offer create a truly remarkable appearance that's not found in traditional artwork.