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Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying CPR Manikins 0

CPR Manikins are essential in emergency training, as you probably know. So whether you are a new emergency care instructor, or you are getting ready to start your training business or even you need to replace your old CPR Manikins, you need to know a few basic things before choosing the mannequins to buy. So in this article, we’re going to show you the top five things you need to take into consideration before buying CPR mannequins.

1. Consider the amount of time you spend on traveling when you train.

If you spend a lot of time traveling to different locations when you train, then you should choose a smaller and lightweight manikin. Your experience would become less stressful if you get a CPR manikin that is easy to carry and to set up. Additionally, also consider it to be easy to clean. However, if your main training locations are worksites and shops, then you may prefer sacrificing the weight for increased durability.

2. Think about what is involved in your training.

You need to choose your manikin depending on what your specific training requirements are. For example, you may need to get the lungs in and out the manikin, and in this case, you may want to be sure that the lungs get in and out easily. Or if you want to use AED trainer unit’s pads on the manikin, you need to ensure that your chosen manikin can be safely used with such pads. Or you may need a manikin with removable parts, such as the face, nose or mouthpiece.

3. Feedback mechanisms involved.

If your training style requires features such as indicator lights that show when rescue breaths or compressions are being done correctly, then you should rather find a model that has such a feedback system included. However, if such a system would rather be a distraction in your training style, then you should get a model that doesn’t have this feature. You can also check the way the manikin indicates the correct head tilt/chin lift position.

4. Materials used for the manikin and caring for it.

If you worry about any possible allergic reactions, then you should look for a mannequin that is latex-free. Make sure you know whether your CPR manikin requires any special cleaning solutions.

5. Budget

You already know that mannequins come in various sizes and shapes. Not at all surprising, the price also differs. You need to consider your budget and choose the mannequin that best fits your budget and your needs. If you are fine with a manikin that has fewer units but comes from a better brand, then it would be fine to spend some more on it. However, if you need to get more mannequins for your classes, then you may need to consider a more budget-friendly option.

In the end

Once you make sure you consider the five things, you are ready to start looking for the right CPR manikin to use for your training.

Quick Insights On Choosing CPR Manikins 0

Whether you are considering a career as a CPR instructor, or you have just gotten your CPR Instructor certification, or you’re already certified to teach CPR and you just want to replace your old manikins, you need to know a few things about CPR manikins first. As it is expected, there are many types of CPR manikins, and they come from various manufacturers. These manikins have specific differences that make them special and appropriate to use in certain venues. Also, price differs depending on specific features, from the type, brand, and features.

CPR manikins are very important in CPR training, as they give the student the feel of what is like to perform CPR. Using the manikin, the instructor guides the student to help them develop the skills needed for delivering chest compression. The student has the chance to learn on the manikin the proper rate and depth needed for the chest compression. With the help of CPR manikins, the students will be ready to use their learned skills into the real life, so they will be able to use these skills to rescue lives when needed.

Before you’re choosing the manikins to buy, you need to know a few details. First of all, you need to know that they vary from basic to advanced models, so you can decide which type is the best for you, depending on some factors. As you probably imagine, basic manikins are available for lower prices, thus they are excellent to buy if you work with a tighter budget. This option allows you to buy more manikins from a certain budget, so you can cover the larger needs for your classes. Most of the basic CPR manikins feature quick set-up and tear-down, realistic head-tilt, clickers for compression depth, and chest rise for rescue breaths.

Advanced manikins come with more features, and they are available at higher prices, depending on what they offer. They include features such as live CPR monitors, feedback devices for indicating when the compressions are done correctly, at the proper rate and depth. More advanced models provide a more human-like feel to the skin, so they give the student more realism to the rescue scenario.

While basic manikins only feature torsos, more advanced ones feature full-bodies. Other models may also include computer interfaces, airway management and intubation and other advanced features that help students with their training. However, these models are mainly designed for other courses, such as EMTs and ALS.

Besides the features, CPR manikins are also available in a range of sizes, shapes, skin tones, and genres. They are available in adult, child, infant, adult and child. In what regards child manikins, they can also be found in various types, as related to certain ages. For example, you can find manikins which resemble children of specific ages, such as 6-month, 3-years, 6-years, and so on.

Now that you know this, it is only up to you to choose the right CPR manikin for you. You need to make your choice based on the budget you have available, the specific needs of your training, and your class size.

Differences Between CPR, Life Support, Patient Simulators & Rescue Manikins 0

It is important to distinguish between CPR, Life Support, Patient Simulators, and Rescue Manikins. Take the case of CPR VS life support manikins.

CPR Manikins

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation which includes use of artificial ventilation together with chest compression to ensure oxygenation and circulation of the blood in people suffering cardiac arrest. Compression is meant to restore blood flow. Artificial ventilation is also known as artificial respiration. It is a process of metabolism involving exchange of body gasses using internal and external respiration as well as pulmonary ventilation.

Survival rates and neurologic (pertaining to the nervous system) outcomes are low for individuals who suffer heart attacks. However, early and correct CPR techniques including prompt defibrillation followed by the right conduct of post-heart attack care can improve survival figures and devastating neurological effects.

CPR is defined as the basis for successful CPR that preserves the human body for advanced life support and defibrillation.

CPR VS life support manikins

Different types of manikins are used for CPR training programs. This manikin was designed to teach individuals undergoing CPR live-saving methods and mouth to mouth resuscitation. Students breathe air into these manikins for rescue breathing. Just like real persons, the mannequin’s chest rises because of the lung bag or airway fitted inside.

One can also perform chest compression techniques by pressing the manikin’s chest correctly. This is to practice the process of improving blood flow circulation or simply getting it restarted. Or, pump the upper body to force out an object choking the manikin. Some trainers require pocket masks while others are not so strict. This rescue breathing device contains a one-way valve that allows the rescuers breathe to be exhaled to the victim without contracting any germs.

Life Support

What are the primary considerations in CPR VS life support manikins? To begin with, basic life support is meant to promote sufficient blood circulation aside from breathing through unhampered airways. Circulation provides enough blood supply for tissues and vital body organs. This, in turn, delivers oxygen to all the cells and gets rid of metabolic waste through infusion of blood all over the body.

People need life support if body systems fail. Said systems refer to the brain if the person suffers stroke or strong blow to the head and sudden heart attack. For the lungs, the possibilities are overdose of drugs; near-drowning; blood clot; serious illness or injury; nerve/muscle diseases (ALS); Cystic Fibrosis; and, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

Life support is synonymous to the respirator or ventilator that sustains oxygen flow and pushes air into the lungs. One end of the respirator tube goes to the windpipe by way of the mouth or nose. The other tip is connected to an electric pump. Another popular life support system is the CPR while minor systems include the dialysis for filtering toxins coming from the blood and IV (feeding tube) for feeding water and nutrition intravenously.

What are Patient Simulators?

What about patient simulators VS rescue manikins? The patient simulator is a lifelike manikin that responds psychologically as if it were a real human being. This simulator is powered by computer software allowing it to copy normal and abnormal body reactions to conditions such as asthma attacks and curative interventions like side effects of drugs.

The patient simulator supports a lot of clinical activities. Comprehensive airway management is practice during mask ventilation, intubation and ventilation. Other medical features that simulator manikins sustain are placement of central and peripheral intravenous lines. The thumb can be aroused by nerve stimulators; tangible carotid (in the artery) and radial (wrist) pulses; heart beats; and, breathing sounds. ECG leads are installed in suitable electrode locations capable of picking up the Electro Cardiogram of the manikin.

Electro mechanical computer-controlled lungs are embedded in the manikin’s chest. It is possible to adjust the lung mechanics using the PC in real time. Meanwhile, inward bound gases are detected and quantified. The concentrations are transmitted to the physiologic/pharmacologic computer models. Such gases ventilate the manikin.

When it comes to patient simulators VS rescue manikins, student rescuers have to practice using appropriate training manikins. This will prepare them for unexpected medical emergency conditions that textbooks and journals do not provide. Rescue and healthcare providers are very particular about the value that training can bring to learners. Other than the CPR manikin, there are choking manikins. Water rescue manikins have CPR functions as well so emergency response teams and firefighters can practice proper life-saving skills during one session.

Complex Field

Simulators and manikins come in various dimensions, weights and forms. The most-like and close to authentic training manikins are manufactured by prominent companies that include Simulaids, Ambu, LifeForm, Smart Man, Prestan, 3B Scientific, and Laerdal Medical. Prices of these manikins vary. The more expensive ones have near-genuine skins that appear and feel like the real human. The ideal types of manikins have plenty of features such as the anatomically correct air passages for appropriate techniques in airway management; authentic-looking jawbone or mouth for jaw trust techniques and head tilt or chin lift in opening airways; along with lifelike nose that can be pinched for effective mouth to mouth resuscitation or breathing.

With these issues and concerns in CPR VS life support manikins and patient simulators VS rescue manikins, the subject of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, life support systems, patient simulators, and rescue manikins have become more convoluted. Scientists, medical professionals and emergency medical rescue authorities continue to perform research and discover more techniques in first aid.

Health care providers can rely on these instruments to hone their skills and do the best for patients. The key is to acquire only the best brands and equipment with complete sophisticated features.

Differences Between Basic & Advanced Life Support / CPR Manikins 0

Those involved in CPR training need to become very familiar with manikins. These are not ordinary dolls but special dummies for simulation purposes. Numerous manufacturers of CPR training dummies compete in the market. Each product is different from the other in terms of features, pricing and durability.

Main Difference

There are basic CPR manikins that give students an idea and feel of performing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Instructors teach students how to use this tool and help them become experts in delivering compressions on the chest. This should be in accordance with prescribed rates and depths. Trainees must be able to apply said skills during real-life scenarios.

All these cannot be achieved without the CPR dummy. Basic products are more affordable especially for users with limited budget. Owning more manikins give the trainer the chance to teach more students and bigger classes within a shorter duration. There is faster set-up. Clickers for compression strength, lifelike head tilt, and chest rise mainly for rescue breathing.

Advanced CPR manikins are equipped of course with better features. These manikins have live monitors or feedback mechanisms for CPR that point out chest compressions with correct depth and rate. Another feature enables positive reinforcement and provides the student with additional confidence. Advanced manikins are made with human-life skin which provides more authenticity to the emergency situation.

However, this simulation equipment is more expensive compared to basic CPR manikins although instructors of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation say the price justifies outcomes. Other sophisticated attributes are full bodies, computer interface, intubation (insertion of tubes in windpipes), and airway management. These were designed particularly for the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and providers of Advanced Life Support (ALS). 

Basic and advanced CPR manikins come in adult, child, infant, and adult/child models. Some are manufactured based on ages like six months, three years, six years, and more. Certain manikins have different skin colors. The question now is how to select the ideal CPR manikin. Choices are made according to requirements, features and spending budget.

BLS & ALS

The aspect of basic CPR manikins and advanced CPR manikins is influenced by Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALS) training courses.  

Healthcare providers have been trained in the rudiments of BLS. In Basic Life Support, the initial stage is to make patients stable. Emergency responders have to stabilize the individual until a medical practitioner can attend to the patient until he or she has been brought to a hospital for further treatment.

There is no need for medicines, medical equipment and invasive methodologies in BLS. The basic approach requires CPR or opening the person’s air passage using the head tilt procedure. BLS tutorials are meant for emergency personnel, nurses, physicians, medical assistants, clinic staff, and dentists. The training requires 3.5 hours of completion and includes the following topics:

1. CPR administration for infants, children and adults.
2. Support for conscious persons as well as unconscious victims of choking. These can have different ages.
3. Use of Automated External Defibrillators or AED for emergencies.
4. Importance of breathing bags, barriers, valve masks, and CPR.
5. Cardiopulmonary and special resuscitation emergencies.

Students or trainees are given the Basic Life Support Certificate after completion of this class or training. Such certification confirms successful completion and remains active for a maximum of two years.

The Advanced Cardiac Life Support is not just about advanced CPR manikins. This program calls for modern procedures and techniques such as conducting IV access to patients; reading and interpreting electrocardiograms or records of heart activity; and, administering medicines during emergency conditions.

Students in ACLS sessions learn the following topics:

1. Recognition or identification of respiratory illnesses and cardiac arrest (heart attacks).
2. Value of Effective Airway Management
3. Pharmacologic terminologies and definitions in ACLS.
4. Management of Strokes and Acute Coronary Syndromes
5. Learning how to become leaders and team members in an emergency response and resuscitation team.

High-Level Course

This higher-level training is appropriate for medical practitioners who are tasked to respond to emergencies involving patients with heart attacks. The Basic Life Support Training is a prerequisite for ACLS. The latter takes 12 hours for completion. Basic CPR manikins and advanced CPR manikins are used for these programs. Medical institutions like hospitals and EMR facilities require both BLS and ACLS training. All doctors, nurses and other medical personnel are obliged to finish BLS.

On the other hand, ACLS is mandatory for healthcare practitioners who need to deal with patients during serious medical conditions.  Students must learn the use of all kinds of equipment like basic CPR manikins and advanced CPR manikins. There are many training centers (online and traditional) that offer both basic and advanced training modules. The reputable ones adhere to guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA) and mandate that emergency responders should take advanced life saving skills.

Most if not all these facilities hire world-class trainers for BLS and ACLS programs including veteran paramedics, firemen, medical experts, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). The EMT is considered a full-fledged clinician who can respond promptly to emergencies on medical problems, traumatic injury, accidents, and shock.

Classes are interactive. These are a combination of classroom instructions and practicum based on an interactive learning program. State of the art methods are adopted using the most advanced technologies in emergency response. All students are taught the most contemporary concepts to equip them for these complicated tasks. They can always ask trainers to expound on topics and other learning.

You can expect these institutions and educators to use both basic CPR manikins and advanced CPR manikins. Hospital owners and emergency facilities must go through the numerous CPR manikins sold in the market along with their features and prices.

Exploring The Various Types of Life Support Manikins 0

Different brands and models of manikins are used for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. Together with other simulation equipment and supplies, these various types of life support manikins are essential to Life Support Training. Incidentally, Advanced Life Support or ALS is the final stage in the so-called Chain of Survival. It is also the start of patient healing. Yet, there are more important aspects of life support we need to understand closely. Two of the most important are CPR and Chest Defibrillation.

Manikins & Simulators

Manikins are used in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Chest Defibrillation training. Trainers and students treat the manikin as if it were a real person. Instructors of basic as well as advanced life support programs opt for tested training equipment. Some of the major types of life support manikins they use for instructions are:

• Basic Life Support/CPR Manikins
• ALS Manikins
• Rescue Manikins

These come in multiple sizes, weights and brands. Popular and lifelike training manikins are manufactured by Simulaids, LifeForm and Laerdal Medical. These products cost up to $5, 000 each especially because of skins that appear and feel like the real thing. The preferred types of life support manikins have features like structurally-correct air passages for appropriate techniques in airway management; lifelike jaws for jaw trust methods and head-tilt or chin-lift in opening airways; and, realistic nose that can be pinched for effective mouth to mouth breathing.

Many healthcare institutions and emergency rescue facilities also use brands like:

• Resusci® 
• Anne QCPR® 
• AEDand Resusci® 
• Baby QCPR® AED

Two more well-known types of life support manikins are the CPR Prompt Dual Adult and Child Manikins that provides inexpensive one-student to one-training for CPR and Automated External Defibrillator as well as the Heimlich maneuver. This is a procedure in First Aid used to dislodge a blockage from the windpipe. The medical specialist applies sudden and strong pressure on the stomach between the rib cage and belly button. The other is called the Economy Adult CPR Sani-Manikin that features a disposable single-user lung, airway and face-shield system.

Computerized Manikins

Automated manikins have been found effective by individuals training in AED and CPR. These types of life support manikins ensure that teachers can easily detect even the slightest mistakes of students performing CPR. Hence, trainers can rectify these mistakes immediately to prevent negative patient outcome.

Another consideration is the act of performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (compressions) on overweight persons. Of course, it is not prudent to use thin manikins for this purpose because it does not prepare the student effectively. The Bariatric CPR manikin or “Old Fat Fred” is unique since it teaches learners to assist obese and elderly folks who experience sudden cardiac arrest. Features of these manikins include massive body with extra layers of fats; aged physical appearance; head-tilt and chin-lift for airway opening; and, physical anatomical markers. The latter consists of the rib cage, sternum or breast bone, thoracic and jugular notches.

Manikin Simulators

The other types of life support manikins and simulators are the following.

• ALS Trainer Torso Only with Simulator which is an adult torso manikin that students can use for delivery of oxygen, nasal and oral intubation, and bag mask ventilation. It enables palpitation of the carotid pulse as well as ABC assessment tool. Said manikin also teaches intra-muscular injections and intravenous therapy or venous blood sampling. This product comes with a CPR head, ECG rhythm generator, Intubation head, and soft casing.
• Deluxe Infant Airway Trainer is a station trainer from Simulaids that utilizes new skin technology. It is very durable and possesses lifelike appearance with lightweight stand making it ideal for pediatric airway training. The material eliminates the risk of airway tearing and need for expensive repairs due to intubation attempts of beginners. The semi-transparent feature facilitates lifelike illumination of the neck and air passage. Vocal chords are focused for convenient viewing. All anatomical marks are evident.
• Stat Simulator Deluxe Adult Airway Management Head replaces the vinyl head on the STAT Simulator. Features include body landmarks, larynx spasm, tongue edema, cricothyrotomy, and bilateral carotid pulses. It is possible to use all airway attachments during training. There are instructions for disconnecting the head and using the color-size and color code connections for straightforward fitting of replacement head. It is the only head of this variety in the market. The Head is more lifelike compared to other models. Likewise, the face and tongue are more flexible and cannot be damaged during aggression by the Laryngoscope.

Low and High Fidelity Manikins

The subject of types of life support manikins also covers the efficacy of high fidelity against low fidelity manikins. This consideration should be within the framework of modern and effective life support training. According to several academic and professional research studies, manikins must be instrumental in improving the knowledge of students; their skills performance at the end of the course; skills performance in CPR; and, patient outcomes.

In medical simulation, the manikin as patient simulator safely enables clinical skills training, cognitive judgment or assessment, and behavioral communications in professional healthcare environments. The level of realism or being lifelike of training manikins ranges from low fidelity to high fidelity. The high fidelity manikin is capable of simulating real-life situations easily than its counterpart.

Utilization of high fidelity manikins specifically for modern life support training is related to reasonable benefits to enhance skills performance during course conclusion. The consensus is high fidelity manikins can impact the student and determine his or her efficiency in real life. It will be safe to conclude that healthcare practitioners need to consider models, brands, effectiveness, and prices in choosing from among types of life support manikins.

Using CPR Monitors with CPR Training Manikins 0

Quality Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is essential. Rescuers must realize that time and immediate response are both crucial to the survival of patients who suffered from unexpected cardiac arrest or heart attacks. Quality CPR complemented by immediate defibrillation is necessary to improve the chances of survival.

Chest Compression

Guidelines in cardiovascular care state that victims of cardiac arrest (especially grown-ups) require chest compressions with rates of at least 100 per minutes to 120 per minutes. The matter of monitoring emphasizes the value of CPR manikins with CPR monitors.

This led to numerous arguments regarding training techniques and aids along with compression rates. For example, metronomes are set by manufacturers at a pre-determined rate. The metronome is used to provide guidance as chest compressions are performed. It helps maintain consistent heartbeats. If the metronome is set at 100 beats per minute, CPR students will find out they are pressing very slowly but they cannot determine if their compressions are too fast. On the contrary, they will find out if their compressions are too fast but will not know if their compressions are too sluggish if the device is set at 120 per minute.

Efficient Monitors

It is therefore essential to opt for efficiency or look for the best CPR manikins with CPR monitors in the market. For example, there is a product called Blue Rate Monitor for adult CPR manikins from Prestan that displays various colored lights based on the speed of trainees performing chest compressions.

• The 0-59 compression rates per minute show a red light.
• The 60-79 compression rates per minute show a yellow light which is too slow.
• The 80-99 compression rates per minute show a green light is practically fast enough.
• The 110-119 compression rates per minute shows 2 green lights which is said to be the appropriate rate.
• Anything which shows 2 green lights and flashes a yellow light means the rate is too fast.

This system provides learners with prompt feedback regarding their chest compression rates. In short, they will know immediately if it is necessary to adjust their speed in real time.

Advantages and Features

In performing CPR manikins with CPR monitors provide students and instructors alike with instantaneous feedback. Moreover, these are lifelike manikins which are more acceptable to both parties. The clamshell design is portable, easy to carry around and quick to install. Face shield and lung bags are secured so there are no chances these will slip.

Meanwhile, the face and head tilt augments the CPR learning experience and educates trainees on how to open the airway during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The clicker mechanism boosts confidence of students in applying the sufficient number of adequate compressions. This product has a weight of 6.5lbs and measures 14" x 7" x 23". It looks lifelike more than any other adult manikins in the market.

Another model, the Professional Infant (CPR and AED) Training Manikin Also with CPR monitor comes with instruction guideline, nylon case for carrying and 10 child face and shield lung bags. These economical CPR manikins with CPR monitors are available in individual packs or multi-packs for training. It is also designed as clamshell with easy to insert face-shield lung bag.

The Professional Jaw Thrust Manikin Head is a one of a kind implement that instructions can use to teach their students the Jaw Thrust Maneuver. Said first-aid technique and medical procedure prevents the tongue from blocking the upper air passage. In fact, it appears and feels like the adult manikin’s head and capable of fitting into the chest of the original adult dummy.

The basic difference between the two heads is found under the face on both left and right sides of the jaw bone where the teeth are set. The manikin enables students to perform the jaw thrust maneuver accurately. Likewise, it familiarizes students regarding the proper way of grasping the lower jaw and lifting it with both hands. This is considered the safest method of opening the victim’s airway if he or she has possible head, neck or spinal injury. It is accomplished with minimal neck movement. The jaw thrust head can be bought separately.

Accessories consist of the following:

• One Adult Jaw Thrust Manikin
• One unit of CPR monitor (with two AA-size batteries)
• 10 Face Shield Lung Bags
• Printed Instructions
• One carry bag made of nylon material

See-Through Technology in CPR

After understanding the importance of CPR manikins with CPR monitors, it is worth learning this new See-Through CPR Technology. This has the capacity of filtering out the compression artifact on ECG monitors so responders can see the basic heart rhythm during conduct of CPR. It also reduces duration of pauses in chest compressions.

How does this technique work?

The ECG signal processing removes the CPR object from the Electro-Cardiogram.

One of the major recommendations by the American Heart Association in 2015 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care is to keep interruptions in CPR at a minimum. One of the common reasons for such disruptions is stopping the CPR to find out if an organized rhythm developed. With this See-Through technology in CPR, emergency responders are not compelled to stop over and over again for a rhythm check. The filtered signal is displayed on the screen to make things less complicated.

Meanwhile, the defibrillator technology assists professional responders in evaluating heart rhythm of patients while non-stop CPR is in progress. They can monitor heart rhythm to establish the right time to assess or stop CPR and check the ECG.

With the advent of CPR manikins with CPR monitors and these contemporary technologies, training for CPR and other life support mechanisms will surely improve further.