Hands-on instruction is vital for learners acquiring life-saving methodologies. It enables them to apply acquired skills in real-life scenarios confidently. Various techniques, including utilizing CPR training kits, can be employed for this type of training.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving procedure that involves administering rescue breaths and chest compressions to individuals undergoing cardiac arrest. These actions work together to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body.
A CPR training kit facilitates the practical simulation of CPR techniques, allowing users to grasp the correct depth, pace, and timing for administering CPR, as well as when and how to perform rescue breaths. Due to the significance of CPR training kits in CPR instruction, their selection should be done thoughtfully.
Currently, there is a wide array of CPR kits available, each containing different manikins, but not all are the same in quality. Understanding what to seek when selecting a CPR training kit will help you discover one that suits your training needs.
The Target Demographic and Its Composition
Are you in need of a manikin that can simulate an adult, child, or infant during resuscitation? Each patient category necessitates specific resuscitation procedures.
Utilizing a manikin reflective of the patient group is the most effective method to replicate multiple scenarios. Furthermore, manikins are available for scenarios such as dragging exercises, choking incidents, and obese patients.
Considering the transportation of instructional materials (irrelevant if training manikins are stationary) is crucial. For sessions held at different locations with diverse manikins, lightweight and portable CPR training kits can be advantageous.
A beneficial approach is to utilize a larger manikin for demonstration purposes while providing lighter torsos for practice to students. This approach enhances training, simplifies transport, and allows students to practice with lighter torsos. Convenient manikin CPR training kits are also available for each category.
Realistic Components and Attributes
An advanced manikin can be distinguished from a basic one based on its materials and internal structure, significantly influencing students’ perceived realism during training.
Irrespective of cost, all training manikins feature chest resistance, airway resistance, and a sternum. However, a manikin with a spring-loaded interior offers a more realistic feel. Some models even include an expanding stomach triggered by incorrect respiratory techniques.
CPR manikins made of hard plastic deteriorate more rapidly than those made of rubber-coated metal or soft plastic/PVC. Nevertheless, most modern CPR manikins offer diverse options for replacing damaged components. In contrast, a basic manikin must be replaced upon damage to any of its components.
Opt for a latex-free manikin if allergic reactions concern you, as they can occur in certain students.
Assessment and Feedback Choices
The importance of feedback in training individuals in resuscitation procedures is increasingly emphasized in resuscitation guidelines. Now, there is no need to guess ideal compression depth or ventilation volume, as these metrics are well-established.
Manikins equipped with accessories or software can be invaluable. However, most resuscitation manikins are stand-alone and do not interface with personal computers.
Feedback devices, such as clickers that produce an audible tap at the correct compression depth or light strips flashing green signals at proper depth and compression rate, are sometimes used. Connecting the manikin to a PC unlocks additional measurement, feedback, and control options, though only a select few companies offer this feature.
CPR manikins providing feedback aid in skill refinement, but practicing without guidance and solely by feel is also beneficial. Students can independently practice and evaluate their ability to perform proficiently without assistance by obstructing or disabling feedback mechanisms.
Sanitation
All CPR manikins incorporate precautions to prevent infection transmission. While each manufacturer employs different methods, a prevalent one is a lung bag that expands the rib cage during respiration. For hygiene purposes, the lung bag should be replaced after each session or even after each student.
In practice, this frequently does not occur due to the time and cost associated with lung bag replacements. The skin surrounding the lips and nose must be cleaned before the next student can proceed.
Occasionally, a hygiene barrier is utilized – a plastic piece with a filter allowing air passage. This barrier is inexpensive and easily replaceable. Further sanitation measures can be found under the hygiene and respiration category, including regular replacement of soft-skin manikin face masks.
Repetitive cleaning and sanitizing cause rubber to age and become brittle. Practicing on deteriorated materials is unhygienic. Therefore, promptly replace any damaged components to maintain hygiene standards. You can clean the manikin and skin using warm water and a standard all-purpose cleaner, excluding contact surfaces. Verify if a specific cleaning solution is recommended for your CPR manikins. Any electrode glue residue on the skin can be removed post-training with a soapy water solution and a soft sponge.
Procedures
Manikins featuring fundamental functions such as chin lifts, ventilation, chest compressions, thorax elevation, pulse palpation, and stomach ventilation enable practice of essential life support skills. Some of these features are available in basic manikin kits, while advanced manikins contain them all.
If you intend to practice advanced life support techniques like intubation, select a manikin with additional attributes such as an intubation head. Some advanced manikins even possess an integrated heartbeat simulator, typically intended for professional use but occasionally compatible with AEDs.
Incorporating limbs for practice might enhance realism. Consider augmenting your manikin to include them! It could be wise to procure these as supplementary accessories along with the manikin.
In Conclusion
Given that your CPR kit will be utilized for an extended period, it is essential to make a deliberate selection. Choose only features that foster skill retention among your target audience. Factors to consider include your training environment, budget, portability requirements, as well as the lung and feedback systems necessary for your needs.
