Buying CPR Manikins: What Should a First Aid Instructor Look For?

CPR manikins are among the most frequently used pieces of equipment in a first aid instructor’s kit. Choosing the right models can make practical sessions easier to organise, support useful feedback and simplify cleaning between learners.

Look beyond the purchase price. Consider the courses you teach, learner numbers, transport, replacement parts and how the manikin will support your teaching.

ProTrainings supplies the Practi-Man CPR manikin range , including Standard, Advanced, Plus and infant options, alongside packs, accessories and replacement parts.

1. Start with the courses you deliver

List the practical skills your equipment needs to support. Workplace first aid, paediatric first aid and healthcare basic life support courses may have different requirements.

• Do you need adult, child and infant CPR practice?
• Will learners practise rescue breaths?
• Which airway techniques are included in your syllabus?
• Do you need electronic compression feedback?
• Will you integrate AED training into scenarios?

Check the equipment requirements for your course and qualification before buying. A manikin with extra features is useful only if those features support the training you deliver.

2. Consider adult and child settings

A manikin with selectable adult and child settings can reduce the number of separate units you transport. Make sure you understand how the settings work and how to explain their purpose to learners.

The Practi-Man Advanced CPR Manikin offers adult and child settings, together with an airway head that supports head tilt and jaw thrust practice.

An adult/child setting does not automatically provide infant training capability. Review infant equipment separately when planning paediatric courses.

Explore the Practi-Baby infant options and Practi-Man family packs to build a kit around your course requirements.

3. Decide what CPR feedback you need

Feedback can help learners understand how their compressions compare with the targets taught on the course. Compare what each model measures and how the results are displayed.

Features vary between manikins. Do not assume that an audible click provides the same information as an electronic reporting system, or that every electronic model measures the same things.

The Practi-Man Plus skill reporting manikin provides electronic reporting on compression speed and quality, with separate bar charts. It also offers selectable adult and child settings.

Use feedback alongside instructor observation. A display can support coaching, but instructors still need to observe technique and assess performance against the relevant course criteria.

4. Check airway and ventilation features

If rescue breaths form part of your course, check how the manikin supports airway positioning and ventilation practice. Ask about visible chest movement, lung installation and compatibility with any equipment you intend to use.

Advanced airway features should match your syllabus and instructor competence. Avoid buying on the assumption that every model supports the same airway techniques or ventilation equipment.

Review the product descriptions in the Practi-Man range and ask our team to help compare the relevant models.

5. Make cleaning and resetting part of the decision

Cleaning takes time, particularly when several groups share equipment. Look at how easily faces, lungs and valves can be accessed and replaced.

• How long does it take to prepare the manikin for the next learner?
• Which components are reusable and which are disposable?
• What cleaning products and methods does the manufacturer specify?
• Can parts be removed and reassembled easily?
• How will you manage clean and used components during a course?

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and infection control instructions. Replacement faces or an airway design do not remove the need for an appropriate cleaning process.

ProTrainings supplies manikin spares and cleaning wipes . Check compatibility and the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing products for your equipment.

6. Think about transport and storage

If you teach at customers’ premises, consider the complete load you carry: manikins, AED trainers, mats, consumables and teaching equipment.

Compare individual weights, packed dimensions and carrying options. A multi-manikin bag may simplify transport, while a wheeled bag may suit venues with longer access routes.

Several options in the Practi-Man range include carrying bags or are available in packs. Check the exact contents of your chosen product before ordering.

7. Provide enough equipment for meaningful practice

Plan equipment quantities around your learner numbers, course requirements and session structure. Too few manikins can leave learners waiting rather than practising.

Allow time for individual feedback, cleaning and resetting. Follow the applicable qualification or training provider requirements rather than relying on a single ratio for every course.

Compare individual units with Practi-Man multi-packs and instructor kits . Check whether the included equipment matches your needs rather than assuming a pack contains everything required.

8. Include spare parts and consumables in your budget

The initial purchase is only part of the cost. Budget for consumables, cleaning, replacement parts and any batteries required by feedback systems.

Browse ProTrainings manikin replacement parts before purchasing so that ongoing costs form part of your decision.

9. Consider variety in your training equipment

Manikins with different skin tones and suitable female chest accessories can broaden the scenarios learners encounter. Check which options are available and compatible with your model.

The Practi-Man product range includes different skin-tone options and female skin accessories. These can support discussions and practice when incorporated into a well-planned session.

Your CPR manikin buying checklist

• Match equipment to your course and qualification requirements.
• Confirm adult, child and infant training needs.
• Compare feedback functions and how learners use them.
• Check airway and ventilation features.
• Review cleaning and reset procedures.
• Consider weight, bags and storage.
• Provide enough units for practical participation.
• Budget for consumables and replacement parts.
• Check model compatibility and exact pack contents.

Choose your CPR training equipment with ProTrainings

The right manikins should support the courses you teach, the way you work and the practice your learners need.

Explore the Practi-Man CPR manikin range from ProTrainings or speak to our team about building your instructor kit.

If you are developing your training business, find out about ProTrainings instructor and centre support .

For help choosing manikins, accessories or replacement parts, call ProTrainings Europe on 01206 805359 or email support@protrainings.uk.