In August 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) released an official directive to all Training Centers detailing a quality improvement for CPR training. This directive requires that all AHA instructors use manikins with instrumented feedback devices by January 31, 2019.
Science from the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC identified that participants and instructors have difficulty performing the proper speed and depth when delivering chest compressions during courses when no feedback devices were utilized. This theoretically translates to difficulty performing high-quality CPR on cardiac arrest victims.
So what’s an instrumented feedback device anyway??
Instrumented feedback devices measure speed and depth while students perform chest compressions. Devices provide instant feedback to the participant and instructor which can be used to evaluate and, if necessary, remediate students on their skills.
There are several different types of CPR feedback devices available for instructors including ones that are built into the CPR manikin, devices that retrofit on existing training manikins, and devices that operate independent of the manikin.
Do I need feedback devices for all of my manikins?
While having instrumented manikins for all students in your class provides the best learning experience, it may be too cost prohibitive to do this. The AHA requires at minimum that instructors utilize instrumented feedback devices when students perform their skills testing. Instructors may use non-instrumented manikins for the classroom portion of their training and then transition to an instrumented manikin or feedback device when it is time for students to be tested on their skills.
What are my next steps?
As an AHA instructor, you should first determine which type of manikin that you currently have so that you know whether you need to change manikin brands, purchase a retrofit kit, or consider a standalone feedback device.
Code One is provides expert sales and support for AHA Instructors. You can contact us with a photo of your manikins and we can let you know what your most cost efficient options are.