If you are an active instructor for ASHI (American Safety and Health Institute) you are more than likely already qualified to teach the ASHI Bloodbornes Pathogen certification course. To find out for sure, you can log into your OTIS portal.
The same is also true for American Heart Association (AHA) Instructors. The AHA has a Bloodborne Pathogens Certification that can be taught by any Heartsaver or BLS CPR Instructor. You can purchase the facilitator package for $35 here. Note that these guidelines are not updated as frequently as CPR guidelines. Therefore, the latest edition of material was put out in 2015. Student workbooks include the certification card and can be purchased for $8.15 each.
Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens Student Manual
Bloodborne Pathogens training is a common add on course to CPR or First Aid training. Many organizations that need Bloodborne Pathogens certification may also seek Oxygen Administration Certification as well. It’s a very basic and common certification course for CPR instructors to also teach. The training is very basic and only covers about 20-30 minutes of material.
What is Taught in Bloodborne Pathogens?
This course is administered with a DVD. The instructor will simply play the DVD while students follow along with the course manuals. The curriculum will cover how bloodborne pathogens are contracted and protocols for when there is a possible exposure. At the end of class there is some time left for the employer & employees to discuss their specific protocols for bloodborne pathogen exposures.
How Long is Bloodeborne Pathogens Training Good For?
Following course completion, students will receive certification cards. This certification is good for one year. Industries needing this training are generally going to be ones regulated by OSHA. The training is common in construction and manufacturing industries. This class is usually paired with a CPR or First Aid course. It is not common to see this course taught as a standalone class.
The training can be taught in an instructor-led or online format. If you are already teaching an in person CPR class, it makes sense to do the training at the same time. However, because CPR and First Aid are two year certifications, on the in-between years it can make sense to do online training for a facility. As a CPR Instructor, you can still provide this service to your clients without going their physically. You would purchase the online courses and keys to send to your client and have them pay you for the service.
EpiPen trainers have become a staple in First Aid classes. Generally, EpiPen usage is covered in most all First Aid curriculums regardless if it is taught by the American Heart Association (AHA), Health & Safety Institute (HSI), or the American Red Cross (ARC).
Even if some curriculums do not require practice with an Epi Pen trainer, most instructors opt to add this to the course. Practice with an Epi Pen trainer is a really great way of engaging with your students. Students appreciate and enjoy hands on learning opportunities. When students get to practice these kind of skills it stores muscle memory in their body that helps them be quicker to respond in the event of an emergency.
Epi Pen Trainers V. Epi Pen’s
Epi Pen trainers almost look identical to actual Epi Pens. However, they are different in color. Additionally, real Epi Pen’s are stored in a plastic case to protect it. To use the trainer, the first thing you do is to pull off the blue tab. Tell your students to grasp the pen firmly in their hands. Instructors should make a point to tell students not to put their thumb over either end. This is crucial, because if the Epi Pen is held wrong, the need would then be inserted into the users thumb instead of into the victims leg. Not only would the user be in a world of pain, but the necessary medicine would not be administered to the victim. Instruct students to grip the Epi Pen trainer firmly by making a fist.
How to Use an Epi Pen Trainer
Have students practice administering medicine to themselves and then to somebody else. When they press the trainer pen against their thigh they will hear a clicking noise and then proceed to hold the pen in place for three seconds. Next, they will remove the pen and rub the injection site for 10 seconds. Notice that after the pen is removed that the orange piece has come out further after injection. This simulates how a real Epi Pen works where the protective safety guard will come over the needle so you cannot hurt yourself.
While real Epi Pen’s are single use, Epi Pen trainers can be reset by squeezing the sides and pushing it in. The Epi Pen trainer is immediatley good to go for more practice.
Where to Buy Epi Pen Trainers
EpiPen trainers are a very inexpensive and popular product for first aid courses. If you don’t already have a handful of these, we highly recommend getting them for your future classes. They are often give to Epi Pen users alongside their prescribed Epi Pen because practicing is so important. They are also available for purchase on CPR Supply Source.
Watch this Video to see an Epi Pen Trainer Demonstration:
There are many different kinds of CPR manikins out there. It can require previous experience to figure out which manikins will fit your training needs. We know the cost of a set of manikins can really add up and it’s important to buy the right ones the first time!
In general, most people who teach CPR, are teaching people who need certification. While some people take CPR training just because they want to learn, it is more often that people are taking the training because of a requirement. Furthermore, when people are required to have CPR training they are usually looking for a particular certification. Students often need either an OSHA approved CPR & First Aid course or a healthcare provider level Basic Life Support (BLS) class.
Both Healthcare Professional CPR course and OSHA approved CPR courses require specific manikins to meet training standards. A course taught without the proper equipment invalidates any certifications given and puts liability on the instructor.
Let us help you figure out what to look for in CPR manikins and how to make sure to buy the right set the first time!
What is a BLS Manikin?
Two thumb CPR Compression Method
You can’t use just any CPR manikin for Basic Life Support (BLS) training. While the American Heart Association sells educational kits called ‘CPR Anytime’ these manikins and training materials are not to be used for BLS level courses. These kits are ideal for new parents or people that just want to learn CPR in the convenience of their home. However, healthcare professionals are required to have BLS training every two years that includes hands on practice.
Furthermore, in the material list for BLS training with the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and Health Safety Institute manikins used in BLS courses must have feedback monitors. These feedback monitors measure the depth of compressions and track the rate of compressions. When CPR is being practiced correctly the student should know via visual indicators on or attached to their manikin.
BLS Manikins vs CPR Manikins
A BLS manikin will typically have:
a chest feedback device
fillable lungs
a head that properly demonstrates opening the airway
These features apply to both adult, child, and infant manikins.
How much do BLS manikins cost?
Manikins for BLS courses are usually made of higher quality materials than other CPR manikins that are not designed for significant use. High quality manikins range from about $130-$1,600 per torso.
If you are buying more than one, you can often get bulk pricing deals. Additionally, CPR Supply Source offers financing to help you offset the startup costs if you are just getting started in business.
What features/technology do BLS manikins have?
Manikins for BLS courses have several features that offer a realistic feel for the prospective students. Having manikins that closely resemble real to life victims can make all the difference in building up a persons confidence to respond in an emergency.
One notable feature is a realistic head-tilt. A BLS manikin with a realistic head tilt teaches the student to practice opening up the airways. Without being able to practice this skill on a manikin, many forget in real life scenarios.
Additionally, when delivering breaths to a manikin, BLS manikins will have fillable lungs allowing students learn to look for chest-rise. It’s often that people over inflate when delivering breaths and this manikin feature allows students to better gauge the volume of breath that they provide.
Finally, the most important feature on a BLS manikin is a feedback device to ensure the students are practicing delivering effective compressions.
BLS Manikins on the Market
Laerdal Little Anne QCPR
Retail: $1,025
Features: Feedback monitor & App.
Available as a single manikin or in a 4-pack.
Impression: Great manikin, used commonly by hospitals. Heavier and not ideal for transporting.
CPR Prompt Plus Powered by Heartisense
Retail: $204.99
Features: Realistic anatomical markings, Foam torso, Feedback via App
Available as a single manikin.
Impression: Durable manikin
Notes: Be careful to use corresponding AED trainers as some AED training pads will degrade foam torso.
World Point CPR Taylor
Retail: $189.99
Features: 3-in-1 training manikin that has ‘male, ‘female,’ and ‘child’ skin.
Available as a single manikin or in a 4-pack.
Impression: This is the newest manikin on the market. It features diversity inclusion by having female and male skins as well as being offered in two skin tones. Manikin has a very lifelike density and feel.
Prestan Professional
Retail: $172
Features: Lightweight manikin with feedback built in shoulder.
Impression: Durable manikins with user friendly design. A clicking device is in the manikins chest that makes students aware of proper chest compression depth.
Brayden Pro
Retail: $1,262
Features: Manikin features light system that shows blood circulation through torso.
Available as a single manikin or in a 4-pack.
Impression: These manikins are a real crowd pleaser and students love them. However, they are expensive and difficult to transport due to their size and weight.
Which BLS Manikin is the Best?
Let’s get right down to it. Which BLS manikin is the best? If you asked 1,000 CPR instructors you’re unlikely to find a clear answer. While some manikins excel in many areas of their design, there are downfalls to any product. We would not say that the ‘best’ BLS manikin has come to market yet. However, in this unique industry, there are many people with vested industry in developing CPR manikins that effectively help students learn CPR and be prepared to perform CPR in real life.
If you are focused on making training affordable and accessible, the Prestan Professional is a tried and true manikin that is easy for both CPR instructors and students to use. It has a both an anatomically correct and aesthetically pleasing design. We have talked with many people who have had the same manikins since the first Prestan manikins came out in 2004. Although they are the least expensive BLS manikin on the market, that is in no way indicative of their performance. These manikins have earned the place as the industry’s standard.
For hospitals or healthcare facilities looking to have a set of manikins to keep in house, usually Laerdal Little Anne manikins are the top choice. However, their price tag is not typically affordable for most CPR instructors not working in a healthcare facility.
Where to Purchase Manikins
To find your manikins and any other training supplies you will need to best serve your students visit CPR Supply Source. Products are delivered directly to you with fast shipping and great service.
Other great resources for instructors of all levels of experience can be found on our YouTube. Lastly, be sure to register on Class Eagle’s Instructor Directory to help connect with students needing training in your area.
If you are a CPR instructor comparing your options for infant CPR manikins, we want to help you understand what to look for while shopping! CPR manikins are a big investment and it’s important to really consider what you purchase.
What can infant CPR manikins be used for?
No one wants to think about a baby needing CPR. However, an unfortunate reality exists where babies sometimes need CPR. Therefore, it is important that we practice CPR on infant manikins, the same way we practice CPR on adult manikins. Because CPR is not safe to practice on live victims, we practice on manikins.
Using infant CPR manikins gives students a realistic way to practice the delivery of breaths and compressions on a baby. The more comfortable people are with performing CPR on a manikin, the more comfortable they should be performing the lifesaving skill in an emergency. Additionally, depending on the manikin, training may be more realistic and help students practice the skills without error and give higher quality CPR.
Practicing Compressions on an Infant CPR manikin
The American Heart Association teaches that CPR compressions should go at least 2 inches deep on adults and 1.5 inches deep on an infant. Because of the difference in depth of compression and how compressions are delivered, it is vital that students train on infant manikins that allow this to be practiced
It used to be that infant manikins were substituted with baby dolls. However, using dolls or teddy bears simply does not allow students to simulate a real emergency situation. When infant CPR manikins were initially designed, they were more of a cheaper training add-on for instructors to supplement adult CPR training with. Often times these infant manikins were made of a soft fabric and pillow-like material. Without internal mechanisms to offer a realistic training scenario, people often failed to adequately perform CPR on infants. .
A company called PRESTAN started manufacturing CPR manikins in 2004 and eventually introduced new infant manikins to the training industry. PRESTAN Professional Infant Manikins are proportionately accurate and have features that give students realistic training. Prestan infant manikins are made from a latex-free plastic material with chest foam that has similar density to that of an infant.
Upon introduction to these manikins in CPR classes, many students would comment on how doing CPR on an infant was ‘more difficult than they thought.’ Because manikins were not made this way before, most people were not performing chest compressions deep enough on infants. These manikins make a dramatic difference in educating students on what real-life CPR entails.
Two thumb CPR Compression Method
In training with these manikins, some students will have trouble performing two-finger compressions. It’s important that the instructor explain that these manikins are lifelike and if you struggle with this technique on a manikin you may want to consider the two-thumb method for the highest quality compressions.
Practicing Giving Breaths on a Baby CPR Manikin
Infants are significantly more oxygen dependent than adults, therefore there is an emphasis on delivering rescue breaths to infants. Rescue breaths are given to any infant that is not breathing on their own. If they are also in cardiac arrest and have no heart beat, two rescue breaths should be given in between sets of compressions. (For two rescuers: 15 compressions followed by 2 breaths and for single rescuers: 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.)
You will want to purchase infant CPR manikins that allow students to practice giving breaths and know if they’re effective. Some manikins will have actual airways with ‘lungs’ inside the manikin that rise and fall just a like a real infants lungs would.
Head Tilt Chin Lift maneuver performed on Prestan Infant CPR manikin
Additionally, you will want a manikin that has a head that functions like a real infants head. In CPR classes, it’s taught that you tilt the victims head back to open their airway. After performing the head tilt, chin lift, you can give breaths to the victims. To understand why this is important, put your chin to your chest and you will notice a decreased ability to breathe. This is why it’s important to practice putting the victims head in a neutral position. We always recommend practicing like we play and in CPR, that means you want a manikin that allows you to practice this technique.
A CPR feedback device has a sensor in the chest of the manikin and a light or sound that will indicate the effectiveness of the compressions. Feedback devices allow students to know if the compressions would be effective in a real-life CPR scenario. Real time feedback also makes the instructors job easier by allowing students to adjust their technique without relying only on the instructors observation.
Diversity Inclusion
You can purchase infant manikins in different skin tones to make your classroom training inclusive. PRESTAN makes their manikins in a medium and dark skin. They also offer diversity value packs with manikins of varying skin tones. Having manikins that represent the makeup of your students can make your classes more engaging and the training hit more close to home.
Overview
Look for CPR infant manikins that allow you to practice realistic chest compressions, deliver breaths, and give students feedback. One manikin on the market that does all of this is the Prestan Infant CPR manikin. The price point on their manikins is affordable and can also be purchased with a buy now, pay later option. This financing option is especially there to help small CPR businesses better manage their cashflow but not compromise on quality training.
Does your office have a First Aid kit for the workplace? Is it up to standard? Use this checklist to make sure you know what should be in a First Aid kit for the workplace.
What is a complaint workplace First Aid Kit?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set requirements for first aid kits in the workplace to ensure the safety of the employees and patrons of any business. OSHA requirements are there to ensure that in the event of a workplace emergency or common incidents, the proper resources to provide first aid to the victim are available.
Not every workplace is required to have an OSHA compliant workplace first aid kit. However, for those that aren’t required to have it- it is a helpful standard to meet as the goal is to truly be prepared for emergencies.
Average Cost of a Workplace First Aid Kit
An OSHA compliant first aid kit contains more than generic first aid kits. A workplace first aid kit has additional items for things like controlling bleeding, burn care, and removal of objects from skin or eyes. Conversely, everyday first aid kits focus more on minor cuts and scrapes. For a kit suitable for a place with 2-3 people an OSHA complaint kit can cost $25-$50.
How many first aid kits should my workplace have?
According to OSHA regulations a business must have one workplace compliant first aid kit per every three employees. This will ensure that in the event of any accidents that may involve multiple people, there will always be enough First Aid supplies to ensure everyone gets the care they need. The US Department of Labor states “When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, additional first-aid kits should be provided at the work site or additional quantities of supplies should be included in the first-aid kits.”
Where can I view a first aid kit checklist for my workplace?
If you are looking to build your own OSHA compliant First Aid Kit for the workplace check out this list with all the requirements for a First Aid kit in the workplace.
1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
4. One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
5. Two triangular bandages.
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
7. Scissors.
8. At least one blanket.
9. Tweezers.
10. Adhesive tape.
11. Latex gloves.
12. Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or
pocket mask.
13. Two elastic wraps.
14. Splint.
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance.
Now that you know all the contents of a First Aid kit for the workplace you are ready to make sure your office is up to standards.
Are you preparing to teach your first CPR class and not sure what to get so your classroom is as ready as you are? CPR Supply Source is here to help you get set! We’ll discuss what kind of equipment you need as a cpr instructor and what to expect to budget for these items.
What kind of CPR equipment do instructors use?
CPR instructors will need a basic set up of manikins (dummies), AED trainers, airway devices, and first aid supplies. These tools are required by training brands like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC.) Using these supplies and equipment help ensure that each student is given the best opportunity to hone their CPR skills and prepare for events where these skills are needed.
Additional equipment that is not required but is helpful are things like floor kneeling cushions, wagons for transporting equipment, and audio visual equipment. These are items that you may tailor to your needs depending on if you are traveling with your equipment and who you are teaching most of your classes to.
In order to teach lay-responder and healthcare responder CPR you will need to have both adult and infant manikins. Some instructors will opt to use child manikins as well, but many do not as it is not required and their size does not vary drastically from the adult sized manikins.
The most reputable CPR training brands do require that manikins have feedback devices that confirm the student is adequately performing chest compressions to the correct depth and at the correct rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Additionally, your manikins will need to have heads with airways that show when breaths are being delivered.
AED Trainers are sold in a 4-pack for $554.40. AED trainers can also be purchased individually but the best price is when purchased as a 4 pack. Your class should have a 1:2 or 1:3, equipment to student ratio at most.
It is not advised to use real AED’s for training. While they would be safe to handle, it is unnecessary to waste their batteries by having students handle them. Instead, trainers should be used. Trainers also simulate cardiac emergencies where a shock would be advised. Conversely, a real AED would not allow for this capability since they only shock when a shockable heart rhythm is detected. AED trainers give the instructor control over selecting scenarios for students to practice their CPR skills.
While compressions are considered the most important part of CPR, delivering oxygen via breaths is still very important. Following practicing compressions, students will learn how to deliver breaths. CPR instructors will need to have facemasks and one-way valves for each student. If an instructor is teaching healthcare providers, they will also need bag-mask devices.
These pieces of equipment are relatively inexpensive and you can find current prices here. You will need both adult and infant sized facemasks for training.
First Aid Supplies
While you can purchase single use kits, you can also create your own first aid kits that are reusable. You can do this based on what you find to be the most convenient. The single use kits are very convenient and can be a nice thing for your students to take home and practice with.
In your first aid supplies you will need to have gauze sponges, stretch gauze bandage rolls, and gloves to practice how to control bleeding. You will also need epi pen trainers and narcan trainers.
Additional Supplies
Instructors will need to be able to print exams and have pencils and pens for test taking. You may opt to purchase your own printer or print in bulk at an office store.
Depending on your teaching style, have tools like dry erase markers and wipes can be handy. Many students are visual learners and being able to write down some key info can be very helpful.
Your location may determine what kind of audio visual equipment you may need. After decades of teaching we have come to recommend using televisions. This is the simplest set up as tv’s have built in speakers and dvd players. They’re also easier to find space for as opposed to using a projector. If you do opt to use a projector keep in mind that you will need a computer, cables, projector screen, projector, and speakers for an adequate set up. You will also need to make sure that you are familiar enough with computers to work a dual display. Because this is a little more complicated, we opt for televisions to keep things simple.
Summary
There is a considerable amount of equipment needed to teach CPR. However, most of these items last for a very long time and once you have the set up- you will be able to teach many and many classes over the years. Checkout this helpful video about what should be in your set up as an instructor!
A question many people that are interested in becoming a CPR trainer as is, ‘How much do CPR manikins cost to buy and maintain?’ We’ve written a helpful guide with information on everything associated with CPR dummies.
What is a CPR manikin used for?
CPR Dummies are one of the most important tools that any CPR trainer will need to be able to teach CPR. In order to have quality CPR classes, manikins are required for practicing how to perform CPR. A CPR manikin usually just has a head and torso to give the student a realistic experience practicing CPR. CPR dummy’s allow for the most effective instruction in the proper technique for chest compressions. CPR dummies also are used for students to practice giving rescue breaths and using bag mask device for ventilations.
Why Do I Need A CPR Dummy?
A CPR manikin is the most appropriate way to demonstrate CPR skills. Using humans would be dangerous and is not a safe option. Conversely, the use of pillows or other stand ins just simply will not provide the correct and full experience students will need to confidently learn and hone their CPR skills.
CPR manikins are required to be used for courses taught through the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC). If you are teaching courses through the AHA or ARC, your students certifications will not be valid without them practicing their skills with a CPR dummy.
What is the average price of CPR Manikin?
CPR dummies come in adult, children, and infant sizes. It is important to have both adult and infant dummies to practice how to perform CPR on all ages. We recommend Prestan adult CPR manikins that start at $208 each or have better pricing when purchased as a package. Prestan infant CPR manikins retail for $187 individually or less when purchased in a 4-pack.
You may be able to find manikins for less, but be careful that they likely do not have built in feedback devices that are required by most training organizations. Additionally, you can find manikins that cost more but we typically find the extra expense is not worth it for most training.
While the cost of purchasing equipment can be daunting, it is a worthwhile investment to have quality equipment that will last for many and many years. If you are just getting started or your organization has a small budget, consider using the financing we offer at no cost to pay for the equipment over time as you get business in!
Do I Need Training to use a CPR Dummy?
No training is needed for to learn how to use a CPR dummy. Your manikins should come with instructions on how to assemble. If you need any support with this upon arrival we are always here to help!
To purchase your new CPR dummies and the rest of the training equipment you need to lead a successful CPR class, check out all we have to offer on our website.
How Long is Bloodeborne Pathogens Training Good For?
How Long is Bloodeborne Pathogens Training Good For?
Manikins for BLS courses are usually made of higher quality materials than other CPR manikins that are not designed for significant use. High quality manikins range from about $130-$1,600 per torso.
World Point CPR Taylor
Prestan Professional
Brayden Pro
1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
