Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Rub-a-dub-dub, but don't put that manikin in the tub!




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A question I receive quite often is:

How do I clean and disinfect my CPR training manikins during and especially after class? 

Protecting our students from disease transmission is always important, now more than ever, with the rise in antibiotic resistant strains of bad bugs. The importance of using PPE (vinyl or nitrile gloves and CPR masks) during practice, as well an emphasis on effective hand washing must be a part of everyone's class, all the time.  These simple steps are the first line of defense against various types of diseases, even life threatening respiratory illness and intestinal distress.

Some professional CPR training manikins can be cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines. Instructors should carefully follow all manufacturers’ recommendations and verify the products used to clean / disinfect are appropriate for their particular manikin and will not damage it. While the risk of infection from CPR manikin training is very low, it is still present. Help further minimize the risk by using proper cleaning and disinfection procedures.

If students are sharing a manikin during class:
Between each student, encourage vigorous wiping of the manikin's face, mouth and chest with a gauze pad wet with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a comparable disinfecting product. Leave the surface wet for at least 30 seconds before wiping dry.


After class:
Scrub and wipe the entire manikin with either Clorox®-type disinfecting wipes or a mixture of ¼ cup of non-scented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Leave wiped surfaces wet with the solution for 10 minutes. 

Internal surfaces can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol which will both decontaminate surfaces and aid in drying, preventing fungal growth.

Disinfection protocols change. Stay up-to-date by viewing current CDC guidelines.