How to organize a CPR training session

A well-organized CPR training session depends on more than booking a trainer and inviting participants. Confirm the venue, trainer availability, group size, equipment, and practice setup in that order. Participants need enough time to register, receive practical information, and practise on manikins and with an AED trainer. Plan the room layout and technical checks before the training day so the session can start on time and every participant gets hands-on practice.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Confirm training location
2
Finalize trainers
3
Create the participant list
4
Send invitations
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Send reminder
8
Check training materials
2 people
9
Confirm trainer attendance
10
Print participant information
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Test presentation and videos
13
Fully charge equipment
14
Check the venue and access
15
Set up tables and chairs
2 people
16
Set up training stations
2 people
17
Set up projector and screen
18
Set up the presentation table
19
Set up the registration table
20
Prepare coffee and tea

Event

21
Receive participants
2 people
22
Register attendance
23
Give welcome briefing
24
Give CPR theory session
2 people
25
Demonstrate CPR skills
2 people
26
Let participants practice
3 people
27
Restock drinks and snacks
28
Demonstrate AED use
2 people
29
Lead scenario exercises
3 people
30
Handle questions and wrap-up
2 people
31
Hand out participant forms

Aftercare

32
Clean training equipment
2 people
33
Switch off and pack up equipment
2 people
34
Clear tables and chairs
2 people
35
Wash dishes
36
Collect waste
37
Clean the room
2 people
38
Store remaining catering
39
Return materials
40
Send participant certificates

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 24
Tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Presentation table

Training materials

Adult CPR manikinsqty 4
AED trainerqty 2
Respirator masksqty 24
Disposable face shieldsqty 30
Practice glovesqty 2
Training matsqty 6
Anatomical postersqty 2
CPR protocolsqty 24
Flip chart
Flip chart sheetsqty 15
Markersqty 12
Name stickersqty 24
Ballpoint pensqty 30

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
HDMI cableqty 2
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Timerqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 24
Drinking glassesqty 24
Platesqty 24
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Thermos flasksqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the trainer and venue before opening registration. Check access, room capacity, tables, chairs, power outlets, and whether the room can accommodate separate practice stations.
Send invitations early enough to collect registrations and dietary requirements. Close the participant list before printing information and deciding how many manikins, masks, gloves, and mats are needed.
Test the laptop, projector, presentation, videos, HDMI cable, and sound before participants arrive. Fully charge equipment and bring extension cords and power strips because training rooms often have too few accessible outlets.
Set up registration and presentation areas separately from the practical stations. Leave enough floor space for mats and position manikins and AED trainers so participants can practise in small groups without waiting too long.
Schedule the first 15 minutes for registration and the welcome briefing, then keep theory and demonstrations concise enough to protect hands-on practice time. Prepare coffee, tea, cups, and drinking glasses before the first arrival rather than during the opening session.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize CPR training?: Start booking the venue and trainers at least 4 to 6 weeks before the session. Send invitations 2 to 3 weeks in advance, then send a reminder 3 to 5 days before training.
How many CPR manikins do I need for a training session?: Plan for 1 adult CPR manikin for every 2 to 3 participants if everyone should practise regularly. For 12 participants, prepare 4 to 6 manikins and enough disposable face shields, practice gloves, and respirator masks.
How long does a CPR training session take to organize on the day?: Allow 60 to 90 minutes before registration for room access, furniture, training stations, presentation equipment, and materials. Add at least 15 minutes for participant registration and the welcome briefing.
What equipment should I test before CPR training?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, HDMI connection, presentation, and videos at least 24 hours before the session. On the day, check power, fully charge equipment, and confirm that the AED trainer and manikins are ready before participants arrive.

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