When pediatric emergencies are rare, training matters even more

The new generation SimJunior helps healthcare teams build the confidence and competence they need when every second counts.

Caring for critically ill children is among the most demanding situations healthcare professionals face. Yet opportunities to gain hands-on experience are limited.

SimJunior, Laerdal's next-generation high-fidelity pediatric simulator, is designed to help healthcare teams build competence, strengthen teamwork, and maintain readiness for these high-stakes events. SimJunior serves as the foundation of a comprehensive pediatric simulation solution supporting learning across hospitals, educational institutions, and emergency care settings.

"When a critically ill child needs help, there is no time to learn on the job. Teams must be prepared, confident, and ready to act from the very first moment. Industries such as aviation and defense have used simulation for decades to prepare for rare but high-stakes events. At Laerdal, we believe every child deserves a team that is prepared before the emergency begins, and that is exactly why we developed SimJunior," says Eirik Skaar, VP Patient Simulation in Laerdal Medical.

A strong emphasis has been placed on airway and respiratory training, featuring advanced airway management capabilities, realistic work of breathing, and an all-new lung system. These features support realistic training in pediatric assessment, respiratory distress, airway management, ventilation and resuscitation scenarios.

Why pediatric simulation matters

• Critical pediatric events occur relatively infrequently, making it difficult for teams to gain and maintain experience through clinical exposure alone.
• Simulation provides a safe environment where healthcare teams can practice assessment, decision-making, technical skills and communication before caring for real patients.
• SimJunior supports competency development, quality improvement and resuscitation training across the pediatric learning continuum.
• The solution is tailored for hospitals, healthcare education and pre-hospital providers, each with different training needs and learning objectives.
• High-fidelity pediatric simulator representing an approximately 8-year-old patient and supporting training for children aged 5-12. Replaces the 2011 model and completes Laerdal's high-fidelity simulator family.
• Advanced airway management, realistic work of breathing, and true bilateral functionality.
• Designed for hospitals, professional education and emergency medical services.
• Part of a comprehensive pediatric solution that includes simulation, services, digital learning and skills training.

At the heart of the solution is a high-fidelity simulator representing a school-age child. SimJunior combines realism, simplicity, and reliability, enabling healthcare teams to practice complex pediatric scenarios with confidence.

Rather than being offered as a stand-alone simulator, SimJunior forms part of a complete pediatric solution that brings together simulation, educational services, digital learning and complementary task trainers. The aim is to help organizations scale training, reduce complexity and support long-term competency development across the continuum of care.

Key facts

• High-fidelity pediatric simulator representing an approximately 8-year-old patient and supporting training for children aged 5-12. Replaces the 2011 model and completes Laerdal's high-fidelity simulator family.
• Advanced airway management, realistic work of breathing, and true bilateral functionality.
• Designed for hospitals, professional education and emergency medical services.
• Part of a comprehensive pediatric solution that includes simulation, services, digital learning and skills training.

The simulator is ready for pre-order now, and will be delivered in Q1, 2027.

SimJunior is developed in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics.Pairing this product solution with educational content developed and validated by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, allows learners to master the skills needed to care for pediatric patients and ultimately improve patient outcomes.