Improving CPR and AED Training to Reflect Real-World People
Official title: Improving the Training of CPR and AED Interventions to Real World Characteristics
Funded at Innovative Design Labs, INC. · NIH-11350004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new line of realistic CPR/AED mannequins will help learners practice on bodies that look and feel like actual patients, including older adults and people with different body types.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innovative Design Labs, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,020,633 |
| NIH project number | 1R44HL186085-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for future involvement include adults 21 and older, especially 65 years and above, who are training in CPR/AED use or contributing feedback on educational tools.
✕Less likely to help
The mannequins themselves do not involve patient participation and do not imply direct clinical benefit to patients at this stage.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a line of mannequins that replicate the diverse characteristics of real patients, especially older adults and those at higher risk for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A direct-to-phase-II development approach will use iterative design and an expert steering panel to shape the products and accompanying training materials. The team will compare the new mannequins with existing products through cross-over studies conducted by medical educators and trainees to ensure realism and educational value. The work focuses on practical, hands-on skills needed for CPR and AED use in real-world scenarios, including variations in body composition and age. The project will culminate in validated prototypes and curriculum resources to improve training outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more realistic CPR/AED training, improving the readiness of responders in real emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mannequin-based training tools have shown improved learner confidence and skill transfer in CPR/AED education.
Where this research is happening
-
Innovative Design Labs, INC.
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becker, Adam Joseph — Innovative Design Labs, INC.
- Study coordinator: Becker, Adam Joseph
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.