Tips to Choose the Best CPR Models
During CPR training, learners must practice some skills on a human-like model or manikin/womanikin. Examples of such training include; opening the airways and performing chest compressions.

When teaching such sessions, it is advisable to adopt the best CPR models instead of practicing on humans. It is not okay to train resuscitation techniques on a conscious person because:

  • It causes nausea, and
  • In the worst cases, it can lead to broken ribs.

Learning how to administer chest pushes on a conscious individual can also prove hectic because the person must endure several pushes until the student (s) masters the art.


Best CPR Models: What is a CPR Dummy?
Dummies are training equipment that trainers, health professionals, and bystanders practicing resuscitation use to reinforce their training sessions.

This training prepares one to act swiftly in the case of any emergency requiring CPR assistance. Some of those emergencies include:

  • Cardiac arrest,
  • Drowning,
  • Choking,
  • Heart attack, and
  • Drug overdose.

CPR dummies have been in use for decades now, and most of them have been technologically transforming into cooler, lighter, and portable equipment. Recent models have many different features you can use in various training sessions.

Nevertheless, the best CPR models for a course depend on the audience and the features that matter to their training.

For instance, not all dummies are built for compressions and rescue breathing. It is important to consider those that support both rescue breathing and compressions.
The Features to Consider When Choosing CPR Training Models
Life support prototypes are upgrading to more tech-savvy, easy-to-use, and portable models. These new updated features make the dummies look more like humans. They also provide audio and graphic feedback, as well as computer-supported valuations.

Familiarizing yourself with these new features will help you determine the best CPR models to use for your audience.

Some things to consider when procuring CPR training prototypes include:
●        Lifelike characteristics
More real looking-like dummies are costly than the less real ones.

Dummies are usually built based on human anatomy. Their upper body and faces resemble that of a human and come in different human ages and sizes: adults, infants, or children. Normally, such dummies are heavier and cost higher than those that have less lifelike characteristics.

Lifelike CPR dummies have skin covering the chest area and improved anatomical characteristics, especially for AED prototypes. The type of material used to build a manikin can affect how fast you can clean it and its durability.

For example, dummies with foam structures are usually simple to clean. However, models with this structure are not as durable as those with disposable chest covering since they wear out quicker.
●        Response systems
The best CPR models should have well-functioning response systems to instruct trainees on how to perform CPR procedures properly and quickly.

Such procedures include:

  • Precise compression depth,
  • How to place hands, and
  • How to issue rescue breaths.

Some of the response systems you need in a life support dummy include:
a)      Audio response
Proper CPR training requires that you always consider compressions depth and hands placement. Normally, humans don’t click when someone administers CPR to them. Dummies, however, guide the trainee by clicking every time one pushes the right spot and depth.

The clicking aspect also helps instructors gauge their student’s grasping and application capabilities, making it easier to determine those who need more help. It also motivates the trainees to focus on finding and mastering the depth and location concept.

Examples of life support prototypes that support audio responses are; CPR prompt and Little Anne.
b)      Visual response
Besides audio response, visual response systems in CPR mannequins also help trainees learn the right ways to perform compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Examples of these visual feedback systems are:

  • LED indicators,
  • Chest rise, and
  • Accurate anatomical structures.

Students use LED indicators to determine the actual response in compression depth and frequency. When they administer rescue breaths correctly, the dummy’s chest rises, and the accurate body structures enable learners to locate a suitable position to perform compressions.

Take, for example, the Prestan dummy; it has exclusive visual indicators below the chest covering that guides learners during compressions. When the indicators display two green glows, it means that the trainee’s compressions are between the correct ranges, that is, 100 beats every minute.

Other models have external visual systems that help you connect to the manikin during training. Some are connected to computer systems to give the students and instructors extremely comprehensive information on what to do and the reasons for doing it.

Meanwhile, some models come with external console boxes that provide responses for suitable hands location, chest compressions, and chest rise.

An example of such dummies is the Simulaids CPR manikins, the names of these dummies are Adam and David.
c)      Computerized response
Some CPR prototypes are connected to a computer system. These dummies give actual numerical and visual responses concerning chest compressions and rescue breaths and are normally expensive.

When selecting computerized womanikins, it is best to go for those with longer warrant options, especially if their usability will involve a lot of movement or transport.

When using feedback-enabled dummies during CPR training, instructors should be keen not to forget their jobs by relying too much on them. Some instructors get distracted by the manikins and fail to keep an eye on learners or give more information to supplement dummies’ knowledge.
●        Conversion capabilities
Another important factor to consider when purchasing CPR prototypes is their ability to convert from adults to children. Such dummies are cost-effective and save you the struggle of carrying extra dummies for field training.

CPR Prompt is an example of CPR dummies that can be converted from an adult to a child. This type of CPR prototype allows you to adjust the pressure and depth settings, depending on the dummy’s age. Another example of this type of model is the Basic Buddy CPR model.
●        Cleaning and set-up difficulty
Some dummies are easy to set up while others aren’t; it is advisable to check if they are robust and effective before purchasing. If the company or store you are buying from has renting options, it’d be best to do so first, and then you can buy the product if it satisfies your needs.

Some dummies require some minutes to assemble, while others only require seconds. If you are to set up twenty mannequins, consider those that are easy to assemble. This will save you plenty of time.

Other kinds of CPR models are non-cleanable, while others require deep cleaning and sanitization. In most cases, the non-cleanable dummies use face and lungs shields. Usually, you should remove the lung sack and replace it with a new bag when you want to use it for an upcoming class.

On the other hand, some dummies require regular thorough cleaning every time you want to use them. It is advisable to clean all models because they are publicly shared and should be sanitized time and again.
●        Portability
Portability is another important aspect to consider when buying life support models. Some storage rooms are located on higher floors of a building. For such environments, you will need light and easy-to-carry dummies.

Also, since training is a day-to-day task, it is irrational to ignore the portability factor. Given that many lifelike prototypes are heavier, you can purchase those that come with spacious carrier bags to assist you during transport.

Another trick is purchasing dummies as a set and not separate. Prestan, CPR prompt, and Little Anne are some of the best CPR models that are easy to carry around.
●        Lung structures
Different brands use unique lung systems for different kinds of models. Since lung replacement is a common thing, instructors should consider their prize differences. Some prototypes have recyclable lungs, but the mouth and nose parts are washable. However, the majority of lungs for CPR prototypes are not reusable.

The most important thing a CPR model should have is the lungs and face shield. The shields should cover the lungs all the way to the lips. Shields helps in the prevention of bacteria and dirt getting inside the dummy.
●        Availability of choking trainers
Nowadays, there are CPR training models that support the training of choking rescues. These trainers assist trainees in learning how to dislodge foreign items by utilizing abdominal pushes.

All CPR training classes need several choking trainers to help the trainees retain knowledge and actual skills. With these trainers, students will understand precise pressure to apply for a foreign item to come out.
The Best CPR Models for Various CPR Programs
CPR training models come in different qualities, designs, prices, and sizes. The prices and quality of these prototypes vary depending on their durability, usage, and features.

Some are expensive, most mid-range, while others are cheap. Whatever is best for you depends on your audience, budget, and the features you desire.

Below are the top 5 CPR training models to consider:
1.     Cheap CPR training models.
If you have a fixed and tight budget, you can still obtain well-functioning CPR prototypes with all the necessary features without overspending. An example of this kind of mannequin is the Nasco CPR Prompt dummy; it is cheap and effective for most elementary CPR instruction requirements.

Some of the merits of Nasco CPR Prompt models are:

  • it has accurate body features for precise hand placement.
  • Has audio responses that click when students do appropriate compressions.
  • Adjustable adults to children chest springiness.
  • A warranty of five years.

Demerits of this type of model are:

  • It’s hard to tilt their heads
  • It is hard to change the mouth-to-mouth disposable bags.
  • Their tough plastic face makes it difficult to use BVM.

Nasco CPR Prompt is recommendable for compressions and AED training and poor to train rescue breathing procedures. It weighs 4.6lbs.

Many individuals find it hard to compress adult settings of these dummies, which is not a disadvantage since weak compressions can be more problematic compared to strong ones. It is best for trainees to use the hard mode.
2.     Mid-range Resuscitation models
If your budget allows, you can buy CPR training models with audio-visual response systems and are somewhat lifelike. An example of this type of mannequin is the Prestan Professional Adult CPR and AED dummy, weighing only 5lbs.

Advantages of this CPR model are:

  • It is simple to assemble
  • It has a LED visual compression frequency monitor.
  • It has an audible system that clicks when learners perform compressions appropriately.
  • Its chest rises and drops when learners administer rescue breaths correctly.
  • It has a rubber covering which works well as a BVM seal
  • Has a warranty period of three years

Disadvantages:

  • It only allows chin lift when tilting the head.
  • Inappropriate for jaw thrust operations

This form of mid-range dummies doesn’t include other advanced features like those that high-end prototypes have. However, it is still effective for training average CPR modules.
3.     Portable CPR models
There are CPR instructors whose class venues are on the upper floors of a building or trains different CPR institutions using the same dummies. In such circumstances, you need to consider the portability factor before purchasing training dummies.

An example of the best portable CPR prototype is Prestan Ultralite Dummies.

The advantages of this model include:

  • They have less weight and are stackable, enabling easy mobility and storage.
  • Accurate and easy head-tilting and chin lifting.
  • When used together with lung sacks, the chest rises.
  • It has a practical and intuitive design.
  • It has a warranty duration of 3 years.

Disadvantages:

Prestan Ultralike dummy is robust, durable, and has exclusive features that greatly enhance CPR training. Its lack of audio-visual response systems makes the above mid-range Prestan mannequin more effective than it.
4.     Dog CPR training prototypes
CPR is not only administered to humans but animals too. To master how to administer CPR in animals effectively, pet owners and trainees use dog CPR-training models. One good example of such prototypes is CasPer the CPR Dog, a product of the Simulaid brand.

It is built based on the anatomical structure of a dog, and it has the following crucial features;

  • Its tongue and chin are moveable to clear the airway.
  • It allows the variation of the femoral strength pulse by utilizing a squeeze bulb that comes with it.
  • The chest rises and drops when performing rescue breaths.
  • It weighs 7lbs.
  • It has precise anatomy making it easy to know the right way to place hands and performing mouth–nose rescue breath.

The disadvantage of this model is that they lack audio-visual indicators that show you if you are doing compressions correctly.

Otherwise, its inclusive features are effective and sufficient to teach a dog’s basic resuscitation procedures.
5.     CPR prototypes equipped with AED trainers

Defibrillation knowledge is essential for trainees to handle abrupt cardiac arrests cases successfully. Some dummy sets are inclusive of AED trainers, such as WNL-Practi-Trainer Kit. This kit has standard knobs and prompts to help learners use AEDs properly without the ability to give real shocks.

The advantages of utilizing this essential kit are that they are inexpensive, its pads are replaceable and cheap, and uses easily available batteries (AAA batteries). The only disadvantage it has is its thin wire that can easily destroy pads.

The kit comes with a carrying case for easy mobility and storage. It also comprises pads for different age groups, three AAA batteries, a manual, a warranty of one year, and an AED trainer.

Individuals who use specific forms of defibrillators might as well want to procure trainers of that particular type in order to get a precise simulation. If you need AED trainers that can work well with your models, A WNL AED trainer will provide you with all the necessary defibrillator training tools.
Top Brands Selling the Best CPR Models

Nowadays, there is an array of premium CPR models from multiple reputable brands like Nasco, Laerdal, Prestan, and many others. These models have bodies resembling that of humans with the suppleness and flexibility of real people.

To buy one that fits your needs, it is crucial to learn the unique features of dummies from different brands and their price range. Below is an overview of three eminent CPR dummies brands with their distinctive features;
1.     Prestan dummies
Dummies from this brand are distinct features from others. Its features are advanced and equipped to serve more useful CPR modules. One of these features is the CPR frequency monitor that facilitates instant responses to trainers and trainees regarding compressions.

With these monitors, it is easier for learners to control compressions frequency and trainers to monitor several apprentices simultaneously without a hassle. Prestan prototypes have authentic head tipping and chin lifting systems that enable users to view when the chest rises clearly.

Professional Infant Training Dummy is an example of a robust Prestan manikin. Its exclusive features include;

  • Élite clamshell design
  • Head-tilt
  • Latex-free
  • Realistic anatomical features
  • Chin lift
  • Audible responses
  • None-reusable lung sacks and face-shield
  • Skin-like covering

Prestan dummy torsos open easily, and the audio response systems click loud enough if learners apply the apt strength when performing compressions to a recommendable depth. That is 2 inches for adults and 1.5 inches for kids.

The model’s left shoulder has a monitor fixed with four light indicators that confirm to trainees when they reach the appropriate compression number. The different color of light these indicators emit makes it easier for instructors to see the progress of several apprentices.

When the indicator’s light is red, it implies that the range of the compression is not more than 60 pushes per minute, yellow is 60-80 pushes per minute, green is 80-100 pushes per minute. During training, learners are instructed to maintain the pushing rates when indicators light green.

Prestan dummies are resistant to grime, grease, and oil. The dummies’ realistic body structures portray shoulder blades, chest area, and nipple line.
2.     Resusci Anne CPR Training models
Just like the Prestan, this brand’s models also have distinctive characteristics. Their dummies have precise anatomical marks that ease CPR training and don’t require inflation.

Other essential characteristics include:

  • Accurate and complete body structures enhance the practical application in learners
  • Allows head tilt, jaw movement, and chin lift.
  • Fitted with pulse checkers by mimicking the carotid pulse mechanism.
  • Its audio response denies trainees to proceed until they can put defibrillation pads accurately.
  • It provides instant feedback to several procedures like hands placement, ventilation period, and compression depths.
  • It offers lifelike resistance, thus encouraging students to re-do compressions until they master the required pressure to exert.

Lastly, they have a regular airway blockade to help students learn what to do in actual situations.
3.     Prompt Dummies
Another common brand is the CPR Prompt models designed for both CPR and AED practice. These CPR prototypes are affordable and offer high-quality training to trainees thanks to its robust and distinctive features.

Some of these characteristics include:

  • Supports the age selection option that adjusts the depth of compressions for grownups and kids.
  • Allows head-tilt
  • Noticeable chest rise
  • Audible clickers

Lastly, they allow trainees to do a chin lift.
A Final Word on Choosing the best CPR Models
Cardiac arrest and other heart-linked ailments are among the highest contributors to the mortality rate worldwide, making CPR training a crucial element in the medical field.

When selecting prototypes for CPR training, be careful not to pick faulty ones or those not targeting your audience.

Most of these prototypes are easily available, inexpensive, and portable. Also, remember that some manikins aren’t effective for the Heimlich maneuver; if your trainees need lessons on this topic, you should be keen to pick the right ones.

This comprehensive guide should help you select the best prototypes to train your CPR students. All you need to consider is your learners, portability, budget, the features you need, and its effectiveness.