How Much Does A CPR Dummy Cost To Buy & Maintain?
If you want to become a CPR trainer you probably want to know how much CPR manikins cost to buy and maintain. We have a helpful guide with information on everything associated with CPR dummies. Read on to find out what to look for in CPR manikins and how much they cost.
What is a CPR manikin used for?
CPR Dummies are the most important tool that any CPR trainer needs to teach CPR. A quality CPR class will require a CPR manikin. Typically, a CPR manikin usually just has a head and torso to give the student a realistic experience practicing CPR. CPR dummy’s allow for the most effective instruction in the proper technique for chest compressions. Additionally, CPR dummies are used to practice rescue breaths and bag-mask device ventilations.
Why Do I Need A CPR Dummy?
A CPR manikin is the most appropriate tool to demonstrate CPR skills. Using humans would be dangerous and is not a safe option. Conversely, the use of pillows or other stand ins just simply will not provide the correct and full experience students will need to confidently learn and hone their CPR skills.
CPR manikins are required to be used in American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) classes. If you are teaching courses through the AHA or ARC, your students certifications will not be valid without them practicing their skills with a CPR dummy.
CPR Manikin Feedback Requirements
Adult Manikin Feedback Requirements
As of 2019, the American Heart Association requires Adult CPR Manikins used in any certifying CPR course (Heartsaver or Basic Life Support) to have feedback monitors. A CPR Feedback Manikin allows the instructor and students to see the effectiveness of compressions during CPR practice. The feedback device should give information on compression depth and compression rate.
Child or Infant Manikin Feedback Requirements
The AHA has not yet made a feedback requirement for child or infant manikins. However, the AHA has alluded that infants will be required to have feedback devices in the future. Therefore, we would recommend purchasing infant manikins with feedback if you are looking to purchase them for the first time. Otherwise, any other manikins may become outdated in the near future.
Virtual Class Manikin Requirements
CPR classes taught virtually have the same equipment requirements as in person CPR classes. You can read about the latest AHA Virtual Training Guidelines here.
Where can I find CPR Manikins with Feedback?
We recommend The Prestan Pro Series for manikins with feedback. They are compliant with the AHA Feedback requirements and get great reviews from students and instructors alike. Prestan Pro manikins have a built in compression depth feedback device. The device is a clicking mechanism that makes an audible clicking sound. The clicking sound is made when the manikins chest is compressed to the adequate 2″ depth.
Additionally, the Prestan Pro Series Manikins have a compression rate feedback device. This feedback device is a built in LED light mechanism. Lights in the top shoulder of the manikin will tell you if CPR chest compressions are being delivered at the correct rate.
Watch our review of the Prestan Adult Professional manikin here. We will demonstrate how the CPR Manikin Feedback Devices work.
What is the average price of a CPR Manikin?
CPR dummies come in adult, children, and infant sizes. It is important to have both adult and infant dummies to practice how to perform CPR on all ages. We recommend Prestan adult CPR manikins that start at $172 each or have better pricing when purchased as a package. Prestan infant CPR manikins retail for $156 individually or less when purchased in a 4-pack.
There are some really cheap manikins on the market, but be careful that they likely do not have the required feedback. Additionally, you can find manikins that cost more but we typically find the extra expense is not worth it for most training. There are some really cool manikins out there, but the portability and cost of them doesn’t make sense for most organizations.
While the cost of purchasing equipment can be daunting, it is a worthwhile investment to have quality equipment that will last for many and many years. If you are getting started as a CPR instructor, we offer financing to pay for the equipment over time. We don’t want the start up cost to hinder anyone from becoming a CPR instructor.
Do I Need Training to use a CPR Dummy?
You do not need training to learn how to use a CPR dummy. Each CPR manikin will come with instructions on how to assemble it, if needed. If you need any support with this upon arrival we are always here to help!
How to Maintain a CPR Manikin
The maintenance of a CPR manikin is relatively easy. After each use, you should wipe the surface down with a disinfectant wipe and replace the lung bags as needed. Learn how to change the manikin lungs by watching this youtube video. Keeping your manikins clean from dirt and oil will help extend the life of the manikin. Furthermore, when using an AED trainer on a manikin, you will want the manikin to have clean skin in order for the trainer pads to function correctly.
Summary
To purchase your new CPR dummies and the rest of the training equipment you need to lead a successful CPR class, check out all we have to offer on our website. At checkout you will see different options to pay for equipment. We do offer financing via Affirm to help make becoming a CPR instructor as affordable as possible. Watch our video here for a tutorial on everything you need to teach CPR:
