After completing your Basic Life Support (BLS) training, you might wonder how to keep your skills sharp, especially if you don’t have access to a manikin. It’s true that without regular practice, it’s easy to forget key steps in the CPR process over time. You can still practice the BLS skills at home even after gaining certification.
In this blog, we’ll share simple and practical methods to help you practice CPR and other essential BLS skills, even without a manikin. By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you can stay confident and prepared to respond when it matters most.
Importance of manikins to practice BLS skills
Manikins play a vital role in Basic Life Support (BLS) training, as they provide the practical experience needed to perform CPR in emergencies such as choking, drowning, cardiac arrest, or shock. They allow learners to engage in hands-on placement, which bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life emergencies. Here are the key important points of manikins to practice BLS skills:
- It helps to build confidence in real-life emergencies.
- It enhances muscle memory
- Improves technique through repeated practice of CPR and rescue breathing.
- Manikins offer a realistic way to practice CPR techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breathing.
- Regular practice on manikins helps maintain proficiency even after certification.
Manikins help your skills to become more effective, which ultimately increases the likelihood of saving lives during cardiac or respiratory emergencies.
How to practice BLS skills without a manikin at home?
Manikins are the tools that represent a human body in cpr training center. It can be challenging to practice CPR without a realistic tool like a manikin. This tool helps you boost your confidence and keep your knowledge sharp even after receiving your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
If you don’t have access to a manikin at home, then you can still reinforce your skills by using simple methods.
1. Practice hand position on the DIY version
If you don’t have access to a professional manikin, don’t worry. You can still practice the basics using a simple DIY version at home. All you need is a few common household items to create a surface that mimics the human chest.
You can use a firm pillow, rolled-up towel, or cushion to represent the chest area. These materials provide just enough resistance to help you get a sense of proper hand placement and pressure. This setup may not offer the same feedback as a real manikin, but it’s a great way to keep your skills sharp and build muscle memory.
2. Practice compression rhythm
Compression rhythm is one of the most critical components of effective CPR. While it may be more challenging to practice without a manikin, it’s still very possible to practice this skill at home.
You can use a metronome app or play songs with the right beat, like (Stayin’ Alive or Baby Shark) to help you maintain the AHA recommended rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. At home, you can use DIY manikins and apply the compression rate on those to keep your skills sharp and fresh.
3. Watch CPR videos for visual refreshers
Watching CPR videos is an effective way to reinforce the techniques learned during training. Regularly viewing videos helps you retain the correct compression depth, rate, and rescue breath techniques. You can access videos provided by your training center from the BLS online class or explore reputable sources on YouTube and other social media platforms. Additionally, using a CPR app can enhance your understanding by providing visual references. Consistency in watching these resources will help you simulate real-life scenarios and respond effectively.
4. Memorize the CPR Sequence (CAB)
It’s crucial to memorize the CPR sequence after receiving BLS certification from the training institution. The CPR Sequence is Compression, Airway, and Breathing. When you know the CAB sequence, it will help you remember the correct order and timing for each step during an emergency. If you do regular practice at home on DIY manikins or similar setups, you will keep your skills alive in the long term. By reinforcing these techniques, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to respond effectively in real-life situations.
5. Practice team communication skills at home
Effective teamwork is essential in any emergency, and practicing communication with others can help you feel more confident when responding to real situations. At home, you can practice teamwork by involving a friend or family member. While practicing skill assignment roles in an emergency response to each member like calling for help or managing the scene. When you assign roles and make clear communication, you will get better at working together under pressure in an emergency.
6. Simulate Rescue Breathing Techniques
Rescue breathing is a vital part of CPR, especially when dealing with a person who is not breathing but still has a pulse. While practicing without a manikin can be difficult, you can still simulate the technique effectively at home.
1. Use a simple object like a balloon or a plastic bag to represent the victim’s mouth. This helps you practice proper mouth-to-mouth technique and timing.
2. At home, you can practice simulating an emergency scene with a friend or family member. To practice rescue breathing, make sure to tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give two full breaths, each lasting about one second. This realistic practice helps you build confidence and prepares you for real-life situations.
7. Review the BLS guide
The BLS guide and manual are essential resources to keep your skills sharp, even after completing training at a CPR center. They serve as valuable references to reinforce key concepts like the BLS algorithm, hands-only CPR, and airway management.
When practicing BLS skills at home, make it a habit to review the theoretical knowledge alongside your hands-only CPR practice manikins.. This balanced approach ensures that you not only remember the correct techniques but also understand the rationale behind each step.
Conclusion
It can be hard to practice without manikins, but following the right steps and regular practice can keep your skills alive. If you are looking for the best CPR training center in San Francisco, then Heart Start CPR would be your perfect place to get BLS certificate.
We are an AHA authorized training center located in the heart of California. Our experienced instructors provide you with real-life scenario examples through videos and photos, and help you to practice proper hand placement on manikins. Join the BLS class today or visit us at our location. We offer life-saving skills in various locations, including Oakland, San Ramon, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Dublin, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, and Reno, Nevada.
