CPR Manikin Special Features

There are lots of CPR training manikins out there, but not all dummies are the same! Here’s a rundown of common CPR manikin features so you’ll know what to look for when choosing a new CPR manikin for your organization. 

Real-Time Audiovisual and Corrective Feedback

If your manikin doesn’t provide feedback, and you’re using it in your CPR classes, it’s time for a new CPR manikin. As of January 31, 2019, The American Heart Association required the use of an instrumented directive feedback device in all courses that teach adult CPR skills.

“Specific and targeted feedback is critical to students understanding and delivering high-quality CPR when faced with a cardiac emergency. Incorporating feedback devices into adult CPR courses improves the quality and consistency of CPR training, which increases the chance of a successful outcome when CPR is performed,” noted AHA volunteer and professor, Mary Elizabeth Mancini, Ph.D., MSN.  

Have Manikin, Will Travel

Are you traveling to your training site? Then you should consider a smaller, lightweight manikin. Look for a device that’s easy to carry, easy to set up, and easy to clean! We recommend Laerdal’s Little Anne manikins.

Are most of your CPR training sessions held outdoors or on rough concrete floors? If so, you’ll want to prioritize durability over portability. The Prestan Professional Adult Jaw Thrust Training Manikin is sturdy, durable, and reliable! 

“The Prestan manikin has a unique light-up system under the chest skin near the shoulder. A series of small indicator lights will let you know if the student is pumping at the correct rate. When the student has two green lights, he or she is right on target at 100 beats per minute. When testing the Prestan, we found the lights to be very helpful, accurate, and easy to see” (Occupational Health and Safety).

Here are a Few Other CPR Manikin Features to Consider:

Latex-free

Allergies are a big deal. Keep your students safe and comfortable with a latex-free CPR manikin. Both Laerdal’s Annies and Prestan’s line of mankins are latex-free.

Skin tone and gender

Make your training sessions as inclusive as possible with a range of skin tones. 

And, did you know that women are less likely than men to get CPR from a bystander? Researchers think reluctance to touch a woman’s chest might be one reason. Only 39% of women suffering cardiac arrest in a public place were given CPR versus 45% of men. Furthermore, men were 23% more likely to survive! 

So, don’t forget to add male and female manikins to your manikin family!  

Jaw thrust

Teach high-quality CPR with a Prestan Professional Adult Jaw Thrust CPR manikin or replacement head. This realistic manikin head is an effective way to teach the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.

Need some additional help deciding which CPR training manikin is right for you? We’re here for you. Call AED.com at 800-544-0004. You can also email us at customerservice@cardiopartners.com.

DISCLAIMER: The information included in this post and on our website is not intended as legal advice. As legislation changes often, this post may inadvertently contain inaccurate or incomplete information. We urge you to contact your state representative should you require more information about current AED, CPR, and Good Samaritan laws in your state.