Saving someone’s life often requires the use of specialized equipment during the rescue process. If you’ve signed up for a CPR and basic first aid lifesaving class, here are some different types of CPR equipment you can expect to learn to use.
Life-Saving Mannequins
Mannequins are life-sized dolls with simulated airways to facilitate the teaching of CPR. A standard piece of CPR equipment, they provide a safe, sanitary way for students to practice basic CPR skills. Mannequins can also be used for developing advanced airway management skills for lifesaving professionals.
AED trainer
An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a piece of CPR equipment that provides an electrical shock to the heart of an unconscious victim whose heart has stopped beating. AED trainers are safe to use because students can use practice all the skills needed to use an actual AED, but don’t have to worry about accidentally shocking someone in class.
Bag valve mask resuscitators
A bag valve mask, or BVM, is a hand-held device commonly used to give breaths to the victim instead of mouth to mouth. These will typically be used by medical professionals, so these are included in the healthcare provider CPR class.
First aid and casualty kits
These staples of CPR equipment come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all contain the basic supplies needed to treat minor wounds and injuries. Depending on the size and sophistication of the kit, the supplies can include everything from gauze bandages and surgical sponges to survival blankets, EpiPens (a device used for injecting epinephrine into patients) and more.
CPR equipment used during training classes can vary depending on the provider. If you need lifesaving instruction a specific piece of equipment, always check with the provider beforehand to ensure their class covers it.
