College of Engineering Unit:
The HemoBuddy is a puppet that not only hides a needle until it is needed but can also store up to three vials of blood. It is easy to use, can be easily sanitized via autoclaving, and is child-focused. The needle module is contained in the HemoBuddy’s head, with a slanted cup attached to the front to hide the needle or any blood and help with aiming. The needle module consists of a cylindrical tube and features a plunger to allow for easy extension and retraction of the needle. From the needle, a tube leads down into the posterior of the puppet, where a bandolier holds up to three vials at once. The back of the puppet is open to allow for easy access to the inside of the puppet and has velcro to allow for closure. The HemoBuddy has velcro straps on its arms designed to wrap around a patient’s arm so the puppet may be held more securely in place when the blood draw takes place.