Hands-on FAQ

Please view our in-depth video tutorial on how to hold the phone while practicing chest compressions.

We recommend using a couch seat cushion because they are almost always 3+ inches thick and made of dense, springy foam. Pillows and back cushions do not work as well. If you do not have access to a removable couch seat cushion, there are a few common household items that have similar properties.

You can use a mattress as long as it is not memory foam, it needs to be springy. If your bed is close to waist height, you may be able to stand next to your bed and practice chest compressions. Otherwise try kneeling on top of the bed.

Some of our customers have also reported success using BOSU Balls or other exercise balls.

Some customers attempt using pillows which are not springy enough and often struggle with chest recoil (allowing the chest to decompress between compressions).

Remember, once you get to the hands-on portion of the app, your progress will be saved to 48 hours so you can try different cushions or even go to a friend’s house or workplace if there is a more suitable couch cushion.

If you continue to struggle, please reach out via our customer support form to schedule a Zoom evaluation which can be conducted using a much wider range of pillows or cushions.

If your couch cushion is very worn out and soft, try moving the cushion farther away from you and compressing an edge or corner of the cushion. These areas typically don’t wear out as fast and maintain their firmness. You can also use one of the alternative practice items described above.

Practicing CPR can be tiring. Some of our customers who are personal trainers even say it's a bit of a workout. With that being said, if you do not have any medical conditions (e.g. arthritis), practicing CPR with our app should not be painful or require over exertion. Please view our in-depth video tutorial to make sure you are holding the phone properly. It may also help to remove bracelets, rings, or watches while practicing. If you continue to struggle, experience pain, or have any medical conditions that affect your ability to practice CPR with our app, please reach out via our customer support form to schedule a Zoom evaluation.

If your phone does not have a gyroscope, you can borrow a friend's phone and log into your account from their device to complete the hands-on part of the course. Once you get to the hands-on part of the app, your progress will be saved for 48 so you will have some time to make arrangements. You can also reach out via our customer support form to schedule a Zoom evaluation.

You do not need to worry if your phone rocks because it is touching the cushion as you do compressions. Our measurement algorithm is designed to take this into account so it will not affect your feedback or score. If you find it distracting, you can move the cushion and compress an edge or corner so your phone sticks off the side of the cushion and does not touch it.

The sensors used to measure your chest compression depth and rate are located in the top of almost all modern phones. Holding the phone near the top ensures the sensors are as close as possible to your hands so you can get the most accurate measurement.

If you are struggling with the hands-on evaluation, please request a Zoom evaluation via our webform or by emailing support@resuscitech.io