Knowing how to search for something is really important. For example, if you’ve ever tried searching for ‘That dummy of a person used for CPR Mannequin,’ then you are not alone. Most beginners do not know the proper terminology either, including some CPR Mannequin. Without the proper terminology, searching for the right product becomes really tough. Price comparison becomes a bigger effort, and identifying the right model becomes difficult.
So… What Do You Call a CPR Mannequin?
The correct term is “CPR manikin.”
- Mannequin = a fashion display model you see in clothing stores
- Manikin = medical training dummy used for CPR, first aid, and emergency training
In the medical and CPR training world, “manikin” is the official and most widely accepted term.
People also casually say “CPR dummy,” and that’s fine for everyday conversation.
- Resusci Anne— the world’s most iconic CPR manikin
- Resusci Andy— the male version used in many training programs
What Do You Call a CPR Mannequin, And Why the Name Matters
When someone types this question into Google, they’re usually trying to confirm the right term before researching products or taking a CPR course. Here’s the breakdown.
Is it a CPR mannequin or manikin?
- CPR Manikin → Correct professional term
- CPR Mannequin → Store display figure（Used in the apparel retail industry）
What is the official medical term?
Healthcare and emergency training programs use terms like：
- CPR Manikin
- Resuscitation Manikin
- CPR Training Manikin
- BLS / First Aid Manikin
“manikin” vs “mannequin”： What’s the difference?
| Term | Meaning | Used For | Why It Matters |
| Manikin | Medical training model | CPR, First Aid, EMT | Correct term for choosing/buying CPR equipment |
| Mannequin | Clothing display figure | Retail stores | Wrong category—will show fashion models, not CPR tools |
- If you can practice CPR on it → it’s a manikin.
- If it’s wearing clothes in a mall → it’s a mannequin.
5 Types of CPR Manikins & What Each One Is Used For？
Once people learn about the different categories of CPR manikins and the activities CPR manikins are used for, people want to know: what are the functions, pros and cons, and who is the best fit for each category of manikin available?
| Recommended Model | Training Scenario | Why It Works | Risk If You Choose the Wrong Type |
| Adult manikin | Workplace safety training | Matches real-world emergencies | Incorrect compression depth → ineffective CPR |
| Child + infant models | School or babysitter training | Age-specific skills | Wrong size → unsafe CPR technique |
| Feedback manikin | CPR certification (AHA/Red Cross) | Required accuracy & measurable data | May not meet certification standards |
| Basic adult manikin | Home practice | Affordable, simple | No feedback → harder to learn correct technique |
| High-fidelity simulator | Advanced medical training | Realistic airway & physiology | Basic models cannot simulate advanced skills |
Adult CPR Manikin (Adult Training Model)
Main Functions
- Standard chest compressions
- Mouth-to-mouth ventilation
- AED pad placement training
Pros
- Most universal CPR training model
- Realistic chest resistance for adults
Cons
Not suitable for child or infant CPR
Best For
Workplace CPR courses, gyms, community classes, safety teams.
Child CPR Manikin (Pediatric Training Model)
Main Functions
- Light compression force
- Child-specific airway positioning
Pros
Accurate size and resistance for school-age children
Cons
Not interchangeable with adult CPR training
Best For
School teachers, childcare workers, babysitter training.
Infant CPR Manikin (Baby CPR Model)
Main Functions
- Two-finger chest compressions
- Infant choking relief (back blows + chest thrusts)
- Infant airway obstruction simulation
Pros
Essential for any infant or newborn CPR course
Cons
Completely different technique from adult CPR
Best For
Parents, newborn caregivers, pediatric CPR classes, and daycare staff.
Feedback CPR Manikin (Smart Manikin with Sensors)
Main Functions
- Shows compression depth
- Tracks rate and recoil
- LED or app-based real-time feedback
- Measures ventilation volume
Pros
- Improves accuracy
- Helps meet AHA / Red Cross certification standards
Cons
- Higher cost
- Requires battery or device pairing
Best For
Certification centers, hospitals, EMT training, and CPR instructors.
Basic CPR Dummy (Budget Training Manikin)
Main Functions
- Simple chest compression practice
- Lightweight and portable
Pros
Cost-effective for beginners or large groups
Cons
- Limited realism
- No performance feedback
Best For
Home learning, group workshops, and basic first-aid training.
Which CPR Manikin Should You Choose?
Choosing the right CPR manikin becomes easy once you match it to your needs.
| Your Situation / Training Goal | Recommended CPR Manikin Type | Why This Is the Best Fit | What Could Go Wrong If You Choose the Wrong Type |
| I’m learning CPR for the first time | Basic Adult CPR Manikin | Simple, budget-friendly, good for mastering compression basics | Poor technique, no feedback on depth/rate |
| I need CPR certification (BLS / First Aid) | Feedback CPR Manikin (Smart Manikin) | Real-time feedback ensures proper compression depth, rate, recoil; matches AHA/Red Cross standards | May fail performance checks; harder to pass certification |
| I work with children or infants | Child + Infant Manikin Set | Age-specific chest resistance and airway simulation | Real-time feedback ensures proper compression depth, rate, and recoil; matches AHA/Red Cross standards |
| Built for heavy use; replaceable parts, consistent performance | Durable, professional-grade adult manikin (e.g., Laerdal, Prestan, Brayden) | Unsafe technique due to the wrong size or force | High wear and tear; inaccurate teaching results |
| I want the most realistic training possible | High-Fidelity Full-Body Simulation Manikin | Advanced airway, breathing response, realistic body anatomy | Basic manikins cannot simulate emergency scenarios or advanced medical skills |
Final
If you’re still wondering what the proper name is, here’s the simple answer:
The correct term is “CPR Manikin.”
In everyday language, people also say “CPR Dummy.”
In the medical world, “manikin” (with an i) is the standard spelling.
And the most famous CPR models are Resusci Anne and Resusci Andy.
When you learn the correct terms, you can find, compare, and choose the training tool that best meets your needs. Knowing exactly what you need and what the relevant terms are is especially important, whether this is your first CPR training, you are purchasing equipment for a training session, or looking for a child/infant training model.
So next time you search online, just type “CPR Manikin.”
That’s the name everyone in CPR training uses.
