Improving the training of CPR and AED interventions to real world characteristics

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute awarded Innovative Design Labs Inc. $1,020,633 on September 1, 2026, under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) to develop and validate a mannequin product line that improves training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) interventions.

The recipient will create mannequins representing diverse body types and populations at highest risk for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, addressing a gap in current training products that predominantly depict lean, flat-chested, young adults. The project follows an iterative design process using an expert steering panel to define product specifications, design curriculum materials, develop the mannequin system, and validate utility through cross-over comparison studies involving medical educators and trainees. The work is performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a period of performance ending May 31, 2028.

This is a direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award, reflecting the recipient's existing expertise in medical educational tool development. The mannequin-based simulation system will enable hands-on training that accounts for the real-world nuances and challenges encountered when performing CPR and AED interventions across varied patient populations.

Abstract

The proposed project focuses on creating a mannequin product line to improve the training of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) interventions. Significance: mannequin-based simulations (MBS) are vital tools for training CPR and AED interventions, providing a low-risk environment for students to learn the skills. However, the training products used today do not accurately represent the real- world characteristics of the overall population and the populations at the highest risks for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (ohca). The existing products are largely homogenous depicting lean, flat-chested, miniaturized, young adults. Our proposed innovative product line will appropriately prepare and provide hands- on experience to students on the nuances, challenges, and considerations encountered in real practice when performing these sensitive interventions on various populations. Specific aims: a direct-to-phase-II project is proposed as our team has unique and extensive expertise in developing medical educational tools. An iterative design process will be followed by leveraging an expert steering panel. The product will be evaluated in a cross-over comparison study of the proposed system versus existing products by medical educators and trainees. Our specific aims are: 1): define product specifications and design curriculum materials with an expert steering panel, 2) develop the mannequin system, and 3) validate the utility of the product through cross-over evaluation.