How to Care for Your CPR Manikins: Best Practices for Longevity

Manikins are an essential tool for learning lifesaving skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED) use. They help CPR Instructors provide effective hands-on training to healthcare professionals and lay rescuers from all walks of life. Like any training equipment, their longevity and reliability depend on proper care and maintenance. Whether you’re using Prestan manikins or another high-quality brand, following best practices to care for your CPR manikins will ensure they’ll deliver realistic training for years to come.

Cleaning and disinfecting CPR manikins

CPR manikins can become breeding grounds for germs if not properly cleaned and disinfected. Therefore, regular cleaning is a critical component of CPR manikin care and student safety.

Keep your CPR manikins clean and safe for each training session by:

• Requiring students to use a CPR barrier. Always have students use a CPR training shield or face mask when practicing rescue breaths, even if they have their own manikin.
• Wiping down manikins after each use. If you have large groups, wipe down each manikin face with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe and allow them to dry for a few minutes before students continue practicing.
• Replacing lung bags after each class. Disassemble adult manikins and infant manikins as directed by the manufacturer and discard all used lung bags. These are intended to be single use and, therefore, aren’t designed to be cleanable.
• Cleaning and disinfecting all manikin surfaces after each class. Wash all external surfaces with warm, soapy water and a brush. To disinfect, scrub and wipe down all surfaces with manikin cleaning wipes or standard household disinfectant wipes. You can also create your own disinfectant by using a mixture of ¼ cup liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
• Allowing manikins to dry before storing. Leave wiped surfaces wet with solution for 10 minutes. Then, rinse all surfaces and immediately dry all external and internal surfaces. Allow your manikin to finish air-drying before storing them.

Proper cleaning should be a top priority to prevent the spread of germs and ensure manikin parts remain in good condition for continued use.

Repairing and replacing parts

Even with the best care, CPR manikin parts will inevitably wear out over time. However, frequent testing can ensure they’re always ready for your next class.

Keep replacement parts (e.g., lung bags, face shields, and airway systems) on hand for quick swaps during class.

For manikins like Brayden manikins — which use LED lights to show compression depth, speed, and recoil — it’s important to pay attention to the performance of the CPR feedback system. If your feedback system isn’t responding appropriately, it might be time to replace the CPR monitor or other internal components.

Accurate feedback is essential for proper training as it helps students learn the right techniques for chest compressions and rescue breaths. By regularly checking and replacing parts as needed, you can extend the life of your CPR manikins and avoid mishaps during class due to troubleshooting delays.

Transporting and storing your CPR manikins

Transporting and storing your manikins carefully will help preserve their longevity by protecting them from unnecessary wear and tear.

When transporting and storing your CPR training manikins, be sure to:

• Avoid stacking them in a way that may cause pressure or crushing. Be mindful of the weight of transporting or storing multiple manikins to limit strain on the equipment. For example, stacking can damage the face of the manikin and other sensitive components.
• Keep them in a clean, dry environment to prevent damage. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight. Don’t place manikins in a damp area as this can lead to mold and fungal growth.
• Use the carrying case that comes with the manikin. This ensures the manikin is free from contaminants during travel and between training sessions. For added protection, consider placing your manikins inside their original shipping box or another protective container — especially if the manikins will be stored for an extended period of time.

Consult your CPR manikins’ manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cleaning and storage recommendations.

Keeping your CPR training manikins in tip-top shape

Maintaining your CPR manikins is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and care. From cleaning and replacing worn-out parts to ensuring proper storage, a little extra effort goes a long way in keeping your manikins in top condition.

Having well-maintained CPR manikins not only enhances the learning experience for students but also minimizes the need for frequent replacements, saving you money over time.

HSI is a one-stop-shop for all your emergency care training needs. Whether you need replacement parts or are looking to expand your inventory of CPR manikins, be sure to check out our online store.