For years, I've used every kind of mannequin you can imagine during training courses, from a 125-pound Rescue Randy to firehose mannequins to store window mannequins to shell mannequins. You name it, I've probably used it. My favorite so far is a shell mannequin sold by Dive Rescue International. I like them because they are not too expensive, easy to travel with, and you can use towels or blankets to use as stuffing. The problem with them is that after the stuffing gets wet, they are limp. Not rigored like a real drowning victim. So, finally, after years of thinking about getting around to it, I created my own rigor mortis mannequins made from PVC pipe. I thought I would share the design with you to help you in your training.

First off, when buying a shell mannequin from the company I mentioned above, I buy the child mannequin, not the adult one. The reason is that the child mannequin is almost as large as the adult version, but it has larger arms and legs, making it easier to stuff. Here is what you will need: 

PVC Parts
2 - 3" end caps
2 - 3" 90-degree elbows
1 - 3" reducer to 2"
3 - 2" end caps
1 - 4-5 foot 2" pipe 
1 - 2" 4-way
2 - 2" smaller elbows - not 90 degree female ends
2 - 2" longer 90 degree elbows male and female
3 - 2" smaller 90 degree elbows 

2 - 3' 181/2 inch legs
1 - 2"  7" spine
1 - 2"  33/4"  left and right arm length
1 - 2" 10 1/2" neck length
1 - 2" 7 1/2" forearm length - right
1 - 2" 7" forearm length - left
2 - 3"  19" legs  

At the bottom of the legs, I add a 2-3 pound
weight to fill the gaps

Now, you might figure out a better or easier way to make them,
but always remember where you got your brilliant idea:), Mike