New AHA Training Requirements for CPR Certification on the Horizon
In August of 2017 the AHA announced new equipment requirements in order to teach CPR certification courses starting January 31, 2019. In a nutshell, in order to be compliant, an instructor needs to use an instrumented directive feedback device. The AHA defines these devices this way:
“An instrumented directive feedback device measures compression rate, depth, hand position, recoil, and chest compression fraction and provides real-time audio or visual feedback (or both) on these critical CPR skills. A feedback device can be integrated into a manikin or serve as an accessory to a manikin.”
In another article, it was more clearly stated the devices “must, at a minimum, measure and provide real-time audio and/or visual feedback on compression rate and depth, allowing students to self-correct or validate their skill performance immediately during training.”
What does this mean to CPR Instructors?
So far the AHA has not given clear direction on the number of manikins required per instructor. Questions remain about whether or not an instructor can have one feedback device to use strictly for the skills test portion of training, or whether all practice performed in the class must be done on a feedback device. It has been touched upon in an FAQ to AHA Instructors:
“Q: What is the recommended ratio of feedback devices or manikins a Training Center must have in adult CPR training courses?
A: The recommended ratio of feedback devices is one per manikin (unless the device used is a manikin itself). Please note that any change to the ratio of manikins per students or Instructors in a course agenda could increase or decrease the length of the course. Use of feedback devices may actually reduce practice time as students will be able to self-correct as feedback is provided in real time.”
As of the publication of this article, the new requirement only affects Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), ACLS for Experienced Providers and Heartsaver® adult CPR training courses in the US and internationally. The new requirements do not include child and infant CPR certification at this time; however, it is anticipated those requirements will also be included over time.
What kind of devices are required?
Since certification classes require rescue breath training, instructors will still need to have a manikin which allows rescue breath training. There are many manikins on the market right now which have feedback devices already and would satisfy the requirement, from full-sized full trauma manikins to torso-only manikins and everything in between. Several manufacturers also offer feedback infant and child manikins as well.
External devices which either sit on top of the manikin’s sternum or can be placed under the “skin” of the manikin are also acceptable.
The AHA does not endorse any particular brand or type of device.
Reason for the Change
Back in 2015, when the new AHA guidelines for quality CPR were announced, the findings from the research which went into the changes also included information on the more accessible feedback devices being used in some training classes and the impact it had on skills retention. They found students trained with these devices were able to self-correct during training, which gave them longer periods of training at the correct rate and depth. This translated into better CPR performed in an emergency situation.
What is available now?
AED Superstore currently carries a full line of products which satisfy the new requirements by the AHA in our Training Manikins and Supplies section.
March 13, 2018 at 1:22 pm, jim albanese said:
my little anne maniquins have a device inside that clicks when the proper depth is reached in chest compressions. is acceptable for the AHA standards?
March 15, 2018 at 7:45 am, AED Superstore said:
Hi Jim,
At this time it is uncertain whether a simple clicker will be acceptable for the new AHA certification compliance. We are checking all our offerings at this time to see whether they are compliant and will be identifying those which comply with a note on the product page. If we carry the manikin you currently have, check back to see if yours is marked accordingly.
April 17, 2018 at 9:21 am, Lisa Sheeran said:
It is fine for now, but come 1/31/19…No, you will need to also be able to see or hear the compression rate, not just the depth.
October 16, 2018 at 8:48 pm, Ralph Bressler said:
This does NOT meet the requirements as there is no feedback for rate.
March 13, 2018 at 4:24 pm, Michael Hall said:
Great Information
Thanks for the update
March 13, 2018 at 5:04 pm, Alan Loken said:
In my opinion, the very best feedback “device” is an observant, well-trained instructor. Has any consideration been given in terms of increasing requirements and the quality and length of training to become an instructor, and requiring that Training Centers actually provide a role quality assurance?
March 15, 2018 at 7:48 am, AED Superstore said:
Hi Alan,
We agree, excellent instructors are the key to well-trained students. At this time we are unaware of any changes to the American Heart Association’s instructor training.
March 14, 2018 at 10:15 am, Debra Bork said:
With the new changes going into effect, the prices of the manikins go up and make it hard for those of us who do this out of our own pockets to service outside business and industry. Would there be some type of trade in incentive or funds to help curb some of these costs for self sponsored individuals?
March 15, 2018 at 7:51 am, AED Superstore said:
Hi Debra,
At this time we have not been made aware of any price increases on manikins or manikin supplies by manufacturers as a result of these new requirements. We are looking at carrying a few external monitoring devices which would satisfy the 2019 requirement and would not require the purchase of new manikins, only the stand-alone devices themselves (considerably less expensive and can be moved from manikin to manikin). We will keep you updated.
March 14, 2018 at 5:00 pm, Amy said:
If I get a Trainer scheduled for Staff in 2018 will they meet the 2019 guidelines or will the 2018 training be moot in 2019? Are Trainers able to meet the 2019 guidelines now? Should the training wait if Staff expirations have time?
March 15, 2018 at 7:54 am, AED Superstore said:
Hi Amy,
Certification received in 2018 will be good for the standard 2 years, regardless of whether the trainer is using devices which meet the 2019 requirements. Some trainers do have manikins/devices which give feedback on rate, depth, and recoil now, but they are not required to have them yet.
March 20, 2018 at 2:54 pm, Pamela Champion said:
I use Prestan manikins with the monitors when I teach CPR classes. Will these manikins meet the new AHA requirements? I don’t want to purchase additional manikins (of this type) if they don’t meet the requirements.
March 20, 2018 at 2:59 pm, AED Superstore said:
Hello Pamela,
We have been told by Prestan your monitored manikins do, indeed, meet the new AHA requirements.
April 17, 2018 at 9:24 am, Lisa Sheeran said:
Not all Prestan manikins will qualify as the older ones need to be updated. Please check with your distributor so you can be sure.
May 16, 2018 at 7:11 am, Sigrid V said:
AHA BLS/ACLS/PALS instructor for seven years: We have mostly used Laerdal manikins and I purchase one of the new Little Anne QCPR manikins in preparation for next January. It gives feedback on depth, recoil, rate and if respirations are effective. Students and I like the immediate feedback through iphone or ipad per Bluetooth or via a purchased wired external monitor called Skill guide. There is also the CPRmeter and similar devices which can be used for training and in real life CPR but it is very expensive. Our EMS is looking into some Prestan manikins because they are cheaper. But they only give feedback on rate (and an experienced instructor can do that with a stopwatch.) We are trying to get some grant money to purchase more equipment before January.
July 17, 2018 at 8:23 am, Sam Connor said:
Sigrid stated the Prestan manikins only give feedback on rate, but the Prestans give audible and visual indicators on compression depth.
October 03, 2018 at 4:02 pm, Patty S said:
How do these January 2019 requirements impact training agencies other than AHA? It appears this requirement is for AHA courses. Is that correct or are ALL CPR training agencies required to comply with this “regulations”?
October 10, 2018 at 7:22 am, AED Superstore said:
Hello Patty,
At this time it is only the AHA implementing these changes in order to receive their two-year certificate of completion.
October 16, 2018 at 6:35 am, Bob said:
I have 35+ years of teaching EMS ……. do it now on a part-time, small scale basis.
How do I afford 1,2 or more of these manikens if the guidelines are extended to other certifying agencies?
October 16, 2018 at 8:52 am, AED Superstore said:
Hello Bob,
We certainly understand the new requirements could present a financial impact, and we want to help instructors as best we can. Please feel free to call our customer service division to discuss options on possibly upgrading your current manikins, or replacing them with compliant, budget-friendly manikins.
October 16, 2018 at 6:38 am, Rich said:
While I agree an audio feedback does assist, I also believe instructor feedback is more important. What the AHA has not taken into considetation is while in the USA and Europe it will relatively easy to transition to audio manikins countries in Latin America and Africa as well as other areas of the world simply do not have budgets that allow them to purchase audio manikins. They have to make due with hand me down mankins donated to them. Has the AHA consideted this?
October 16, 2018 at 8:50 am, AED Superstore said:
Hello Rich,
Thank you for your comment. Instructor feedback is crucial in a student’s ability to correctly perform the skills of CPR. The addition of instrumented directive feedback devices will only enhance the student’s learning experience, equating to increased efficacy of compressions for both in and out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest.
The 2019 manikin requirement is not clear on if it is just US Training Centers or all Training Centers that are affected by this mandate, as International requirements vary from country to country. We, unfortunately, cannot speak on behalf of the AHA on consideration of countries or geographical areas that may be financially challenged. We encourage you to voice your concerns and questions directly to the American Heart Association.
October 16, 2018 at 9:28 am, Laura Daisy Sudano-Pellegrini said:
Is there a device that can turn our manekins into the AHA certified units? I bought the econmy 5 pack of adult & infants & cannot afford to replace all of them. Will just havi g 1 AHA certified manekin be OK?
October 17, 2018 at 6:59 am, AED Superstore said:
Hi Laura,
Give our customer service department a call. They will be happy to discuss all the options available with you.
October 16, 2018 at 10:02 am, Helen Wolff said:
My presten manikins have a green and red light on then . Red for when the rate and depth is not correct, and green when the rate and depth is correct. Will these manikins meet the new standards ?
October 16, 2018 at 1:15 pm, AED Superstore said:
Hi Helen,
Prestan manikins are compliant with the 2019 AHA manikin guidelines. Your Prestan manikins should have a series of 4 lights, red, yellow, and two green. Below is a breakdown of what the lights mean:
Red- compressions are less than 60/minute
Yellow- Compressions are less than 79 but more than 60/min
1 green- Compressions are less than 99 but more than 80/min
2 green- Compressions are between 100 and 119/minute
Manikins with the new blue monitor also will show 2 green lights and 1 yellow when the rate is above 120/min
October 16, 2018 at 6:55 pm, William Hilchey said:
For many years we used recording Annies. But the knock against them was students were intimidated and it cut down on the number of people willing to take CPR. So, simple mannequins with a clicker were used to entice more people to enroll. Then we got to the point where “hands only CPR” was promoted to try to get more bystanders at least willing to provide some aid. Many “CPR” classes have adopted this as there only training, to the point where rescue breathing is not even being taught. Now AHA has gone to the other extreme and we have to invest in new “smart” mannequins. Make up your mind already!
October 18, 2018 at 6:55 am, Bob said:
I get back to my original post – affordability……and what ratio – if any will be forced on us. Who is profiting from this? One maniken for testing per class might be feasible…but 1 per student?? I find those that sit in “ivory towers” should not impose what could be deal-breaking rules on ordinary instructors who have dedicated years to certifying people to get involved.
October 23, 2018 at 6:35 pm, Thomas W Topham said:
There is a “puck” device that is placed on the victim to detect compressions. Anyone knows who makes this?
October 24, 2018 at 7:59 am, AED Superstore said:
Hi Thomas,
We carry the Laerdal CPRmeter 2 which can be used in both training and in a rescue. We also have the Physio-Control TrueCPR Coaching Device, and there are several manufacturers who offer electrode pads and AEDs which have built-in real-time feedback. ZOLL® CPR•D•padz®, Cardiac Science Powerheart® G5 Adult Intellisense™ CPR Feedback (ICPR) Defibrillation Electrode Pads, and the HeartSine® samaritan® PAD 450P. We are excited to offer a brand new product in the coming months which will give depth compression feedback in a rescue. Watch our emails for the announcement!
January 03, 2019 at 7:26 am, Mike said:
I have the blue cpr prompt manikins with the bellows piston with a clicker in the back. Are these AHA compliant for feedback devices in 2019?
January 03, 2019 at 9:15 am, AED Superstore said:
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, the CPR Prompt Manikins are not complaint with the 2019 AHA Feedback Requirement as they do not provide feedback on the rate of compressions. If you are interested in upgrading your manikins or discussing add-on devices for your existing manikins please feel free to contact our customer care department at 800-544-0048
January 22, 2019 at 3:20 pm, Leslie DeGroat said:
What do you do if you have the new kind of manikin that detects the depth and rate and people are not able to get both green lights to light up? Is there a period of time for a learning curb with the device?
January 22, 2019 at 3:31 pm, AED Superstore said:
Hi Leslie,
If you, as the instructor, are able to get the green lights working properly (meaning there is nothing defective with the manikin), then students should be able to get it to work just fine with just a very small learning curve. We used them to teach high school students “hands only” CPR and they had the hang of it within less than 20 seconds.
December 21, 2019 at 3:10 pm, Hairstyles said:
It is best to participate in a contest for the most effective blogs on the web. I will suggest this site!
March 03, 2020 at 11:43 am, ronald M temple said:
do you need an infant also for CPR training
March 03, 2020 at 11:45 am, ronald temple said:
do we need a prestan manikin child also for CPR training
March 03, 2020 at 12:34 pm, AED Superstore said:
Hello Ronald,
Regarding both of your questions, you need to consult the administration manual or required course equipment list for the courses that you teach. If you teach American Heart Association courses, the equipment lists are in AHA Instructor Network. If the course is authorized through another entity, please consult their materials.