Essential Equipment for New CPR Instructors (and What It Costs)
- Anthony Kidd
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
One of the first questions many new instructors ask after completing their instructor certification is:
“What equipment do I actually need to start teaching CPR classes?”
The good news is that getting started doesn’t require a huge investment. Many instructors begin with a small, portable equipment kit that allows them to teach professional CPR classes in workplaces, schools, community centers, and healthcare settings.
Below is a breakdown of the core equipment most new instructors will need, along with realistic pricing ranges.
Adult CPR Manikins
Adult manikins are the most important piece of equipment in any CPR class. They allow students to practice chest compressions, rescue breaths, and AED pad placement in a safe environment.
Many instructors start with portable manikin kits designed specifically for training classes.
Typical price range
• Individual manikin: $90 – $180
• 4-pack training kit: $350 – $650
Portable manikin kits are popular because they are lightweight and easy to transport to off-site training locations.
Infant CPR Manikins
If you plan to teach pediatric CPR or childcare courses, infant manikins are also necessary.
Infant manikins allow students to practice the unique skills required for infant emergencies, including:
• Two-finger chest compressions
• Infant rescue breathing
• Proper head positioning and airway management
Typical price range
• Single infant manikin: $120 – $200
• 4-pack infant manikin kits: $400 – $700
Infant manikins are especially important when teaching childcare providers, parents, and pediatric first aid classes.
You can learn more about pediatric CPR training here:
AED Training Units
AED training units simulate real Automated External Defibrillators so students can practice using them during CPR scenarios.
Training AEDs allow students to practice:
• turning the AED on
• attaching electrode pads
• following voice prompts
• clearing the patient before a simulated shock
At CPR Safety 411, we commonly use Practi-Trainer AED units because they are reliable, easy to transport, and affordable for instructors.
Typical price range
• AED trainer: $120 – $300
For most small classes, one AED trainer is sufficient.
You can learn more about CPR and AED certification training here:
Breathing Barriers
Most CPR certification courses still include rescue breathing skills, which means instructors should have breathing barriers available.
Disposable face shield barriers with one-way valves are commonly used during training because they are:
• inexpensive
• hygienic
• easy to distribute during class
Typical price range
• Bulk packs of barriers: $15 – $40
Many instructors give each student a barrier device to practice with and keep afterward.
Replacement Lung Bags and Face Pieces
Manikins require replaceable lung bags and face pieces for hygiene between students and classes.
These supplies allow instructors to keep equipment sanitary while allowing students to practice rescue breathing safely.
Typical price range
• Replacement lung bags: $25 – $60 per pack
It’s always smart to keep extra lung bags on hand in case you have a larger class than expected.
A Rolling Equipment Cart
Something many new instructors underestimate is how much equipment they’ll be carrying to classes.
Between manikins, AED trainers, barriers, paperwork, and cleaning supplies, your equipment can add up quickly.
At CPR Safety 411, we use a collapsible rolling cart to transport equipment from the vehicle to the training site. This makes it much easier to move multiple manikins and supplies into offices, schools, and community buildings.
Typical price range
• Folding equipment cart: $40 – $100
Once you begin teaching regularly, a cart like this quickly becomes one of the most useful tools you own.
If you plan to teach workplace training, portability is especially important.
Learn more about on-site training programs here:
Buying Used Equipment Can Save Money
One thing many new instructors don’t realize is that CPR training equipment often lasts for many years, especially when it’s well maintained.
Because of this, it’s often possible to find high-quality equipment second hand through:
• instructor forums and training networks
• equipment resellers
• online marketplaces
• training centers upgrading their gear
Many experienced instructors sell older manikin sets or AED trainers when they upgrade equipment, and these items can still work perfectly for teaching.
Buying second-hand equipment can significantly reduce startup costs, especially when you’re first getting your instructor program off the ground.
Just make sure the equipment is:
• in good working condition
• compatible with replacement parts
• cleaned and sanitized before use
Estimated Startup Cost for a New CPR Instructor
A basic starter equipment setup might include:
• 4 adult manikins
• 2 infant manikins
• 1 AED trainer
• breathing barriers
• spare lung bags
• equipment cart
Estimated startup cost
Approximately $900 – $1,800
This equipment can support hundreds of students over time, making it a relatively small investment for instructors who plan to teach regularly.
Final Thoughts
Starting out as a CPR instructor can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re figuring out equipment. But the reality is that you don’t need a huge inventory to begin teaching life-saving skills.
With a few manikins, an AED trainer, some basic supplies, and a reliable way to transport your equipment, you can start running professional CPR classes in your community.
And every class you teach helps create more people who are ready to step in and save a life.
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