3B Scientific, a long-standing leader in medical and science education solutions, has announced the acquisition of STOPS Medical. This move brings together two companies with complementary expertise, united by a common goal: to improve emergency medical training and save lives.

Founded in 1948 in Hamburg, Germany, 3B Scientific has built a strong international reputation over the decades. The company was named after its three founding members of the Binhold family, whose pioneering spirit helped shape 3B’s mission. Today, 3B Scientific offers an extensive portfolio of innovative products designed to support medical simulation, clinical skills training, anatomy education, and patient care. Its reach spans over 130 countries, where the brand is recognised for its quality, value, and excellent customer service.

In line with its mission to advance healthcare delivery worldwide, 3B Scientific continues to expand its capabilities through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. The integration of STOPS Medical is a significant step forward in this direction.

Meeting critical needs in tactical and emergency response training

STOPS Medical has carved out a strong reputation for advancing tactical and emergency response training. Its solutions are designed to meet the demands of first responders, military medics, and other professionals who provide critical care in high-pressure situations. The company’s products help ensure that frontline personnel are well-prepared to manage life-threatening injuries, particularly those encountered in combat or disaster environments. This is a critical need, as up to 90% of combat deaths occur before the casualty reaches a medical treatment facility, according to the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

One of STOPS Medical’s key strengths lies in the design of training products that are both durable and cost-effective. Many of its solutions are user-repairable, which reduces maintenance costs and minimises downtime. This ensures that training centres can maintain a high level of readiness, even with intensive use of their simulation equipment.

Elevating realism in medical training

STOPS Medical has also brought new levels of realism to the field of medical training. Through the integration of advanced medical modelling and special effects, the company’s products replicate complex and high-pressure scenarios with exceptional fidelity. This heightened realism allows participants to experience the intensity of real-life emergencies in a controlled training environment.

Among its innovations is the Hyper-Realistic® Cut Suit system. Designed for open surgery simulation, this solution enables surgical trainees and medical teams to practice advanced life-saving interventions with a level of realism that closely mirrors live human procedures. Another innovation is the Open Surgical Simulation System (OS3), designed by surgeons for surgical training. With interchangeable Advanced Surgical Skills Packages (ASSPs), it replicates diverse trauma and pathology scenarios. Trainees can practice critical procedures, pause for instruction, and restart simulations—offering flexibility not possible in live surgery. Such training prepares healthcare providers to operate effectively under the extreme conditions often encountered in combat zones or mass casualty incidents.

Shaping the future of combat and emergency medical education

With the integration of STOPS Medical, 3B Scientific will now offer a more comprehensive range of simulation solutions to serve a wider audience. Military organisations, emergency medical services, medical schools, and healthcare institutions will all benefit from enhanced training tools that support skill development in critical care and emergency response.

This acquisition also reflects broader trends in healthcare education. Simulation-based learning has become an essential part of training for healthcare professionals at all levels. In emergency medicine and combat care, where rapid decision-making and advanced procedural skills are crucial, realistic simulation can significantly improve preparedness and performance. For example, a U.S. military study showed that Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training, reduced preventable battlefield deaths by nearly 15% over a decade.

By combining 3B Scientific’s global reach, product development expertise, and distribution network with STOPS Medical’s specialised knowledge in tactical training, the partnership is set to make a lasting impact on the way emergency and combat medical care is taught and practised.

As the demand for high-quality, effective training continues to grow, this collaboration positions 3B Scientific at the forefront of innovation in medical simulation. The company remains committed to equipping healthcare providers and first responders with the skills and confidence needed to deliver life-saving care in any environment—whether on the battlefield, in the field, or in the hospital.

Image credit: Marcelo Leal