CPR manikins, also known as CPR practice dolls, are lifesize mannequins used to practice and teach during cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. CPR manikins are designed to replicate the human body in size, shape, and texture and to provide realistic chest compressions and vital sign checks. The manikins also have realistic airway management and intubation techniques. The manikins allow healthcare professionals to practice techniques, improve their skills, and demonstrate proper techniques to students.
The Use of Infant Manikins During CPR Training Proven Highly Effective
A randomized, controlled trial of 69 CPR providers in the United Kingdom recently showed the increased efficacy of using real-time feedback through an infant resuscitation manikin.
Resuscitation manikins are commonplace in many CPR training classes. In adult classes, “Resuscitation Annie” has been used since 1960 and has helped an estimated 400 million learn CPR. She is fondly referred to as the “Mother of CPR.” In addition to the adult manikin, many training seminars utilize a child and infant manikin. Sometimes, the entire Resuscitation Family can be found on the site. More recently, the traditional Resuscitation Annie has been replaced with a high-tech, instant feedback manikin to help train providers.
Benefits of CPR Manikins
There are several benefits to using manikins, especially resuscitation manikins that provide real-time feedback. Thanks to technology, it is now possible to practice on a manikin that simulates correct CPR and provides landmarks to assist the trainee in proper hand placement. These manikins use LED indicators with audio and visual cues to allow medical professionals to see and hear when their compressions are correct and efficient. The chest also rises when the proper head-tilt/chin lift is performed and the airway is properly opened.
4 key indicators when training for CPR
Four key indicators are stressed when training for CPR: correct compression depth, release force, chest compression rate, and compression duty cycle. In this randomized trial, infant manikins were used in 50% of the training. The manikin offered feedback that allowed trainees to see immediately if their chest compressions were accurate and useful. When using the two-finger chest compressions, participants achieved the four key targets 75% of the time. When using the two-thumb chest compressions, participants met the four key objectives 80% of the time.
CPR Manikins Feedback
According to the study's results, the use of the real-time feedback infant manikin dramatically increased the effectiveness of chest compressions, increasing efficiency from <0.1% to 75-80%. The use of real-time feedback infant resuscitation manikins has proven useful in CPR training, and medical professionals hope they will be utilized as frequently as possible to improve the quality of chest compressions. If this data were to be transferred to a clinical setting, this technology could allow medical providers to learn better how to perform proper CPR, thereby increasing the possibility of positive outcomes in a clinical setting.
So, if these manikins are so useful, why are they not used for every training class? Several companies make these manikins, including Laerdal, Armstrong, and Preston. However, the biggest reason they are not always used comes down to money. One infant manikin can cost over $400, a hefty price for training centers to pay, especially when more than one is needed.
Resuscitation manikins are also useful in training providers on what to do if an infant/child/adult is choking. Despite the high cost of these high-tech manikins, the increased efficacy may prove more beneficial than the price.
