Frequently
Asked Questions

You have several options. First, stretch your purchasing power with the full cardiacSTAR® bundle, including the films (2 English versions, 1 en español), the game and 8 cardiacSTAR POWER Station devices. Or, if you are using a different device to practice chest compressions (like a pillow or a medical manikin), you can buy a one-month or one-year subscription to unlimited play. Shop our store now to be the first to get the full cardiacSTAR experience.

The cardiacSTAR® POWER Station is brand-new approach to CPR training equipment. Designed by leading cardiologists and based on long-standing published research, cardiacSTAR POWER Stations raise the bar for effective hands-only compressions. Plus, it has the power of real-time feedback.

How it works:

• Use your mobile phone to scan a QR code and register.
• Slide your phone into the cardiacSTAR® POWER Station.
• See your Station on screen, and watch in real time the depth and frequency of compressions.

While not required to play the game, this is the best way to train with scientifically accurate equipment. For years, research has shown that effective compressions require almost double the newtons of force that traditional CPR manikins require. Now, cardiacSTAR’s patented technology helps you to experience the real power required to save a life. The cardiacSTAR POWER Station is your best solution to learn/teach hands-only CPR.

Yes. Anybody can train for CPR with cardiacSTAR®, even without a phone or mobile device. As a player, you can use a cardiacSTAR® POWER Station, just without a phone inside it. However, to see on-screen feedback for your CPR quality, you’ll need a phone. Also, you must use your phone to earn CPR certification.

If you do not have access to a POWER Station, you may use another object, like a pillow or manikin. After all, some training is better than no training. Just know: No phone, no CPR certification.

No. As a player, you only scan a QR code. This takes you to a website, which connects your phone to the group’s game. If prompted, allow access to your gyroscope data. This lets the game give you feedback on your CPR quality.

No, you just need an internet connection. The computer hosting the game must be connected to the internet to access the web-based game. Meanwhile, individual phones also need internet access, either Wi-Fi or any other internet access. Phones and the computer don’t need to be on the same network. Just be sure they’re all connected to the internet.

Simply rescan the QR code, and you’ll reconnect. The game will remember your group and number. The QR code is visible on the screen before each CPR session. It can also be found by pausing the game and pulling up the Menu.

It depends how many cardiacSTAR® CPR POWER Station devices or medical manikins you have. There are four opportunities to perform CPR during the game. For a maximum, if you have eight CPR POWER Station devices, then up to 32 players can play one game (8 POWER Station devices x 4 sessions = 32 players). If you have more players or not enough devices, you can run the game multiple times.

Each cardiacSTAR® game takes about 45 minutes, including gameplay and a “How to Play” introduction.

The game does this for you. As the people who are playing scan the QR code, cardiacSTAR® evenly places players into two teams.

Yes. You can download it here: Play the cardiacSTAR® Game: Troubleshooting Guide With cardiacSTAR.

Visite la página Jugar ahora: en español aquí. Una vez que ingrese su correo electrónico (el mismo que utilizó para comprar la suscripción y/o el paquete de cardiacSTAR), puede iniciar el juego en español. Asegúrese de seleccionar el video “Familia” para disfrutar de una experiencia completa en español para estudiantes y jugadores de RCP. (En este momento, la experiencia del video “Atleta” para estudiantes solo está disponible en inglés). Además, vea Juega cardiacSTAR®: Guía de solución de problemas y visite la página
oficial para más detalles: https://cardiacstar.com/es/.

CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating and can’t pump blood to the brain and organs vital for life. CPR is a practical, medically proven response to cardiac arrest that can save lives.

For an adult or teen experiencing cardiac arrest, first see if they respond to you. Shout their name. Tap their shoulder. If someone is (1) unconscious and won’t wake up, (2) not responding and (3) not breathing or is gasping irregularly, then begin CPR immediately.

As you check for responsiveness, call 9-1-1 immediately. Put it on speaker phone, so you can talk and listen to emergency services as you perform CPR.

No. You do not need to provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. While trained healthcare professionals give “rescue breaths,” you can focus on giving lifesaving, hands-only CPR.

It’s just like it sounds. You only use your hands to perform CPR. You may do compressions and, as available, use an AED. It’s just as effective as CPR with mouth-to-mouth.

Many popular songs have the right beat. In advance, find them online and choose one you know well. Or download a mobile app for a metronome to keep the beat. When in doubt, repeat: Two inches, two inches, two inches. It’ll remind you of the depth for compressions and guide your rhythm.

Doing CPR is hard, even for a trained athlete. It’s important to keep up high quality CPR. So, if someone else is nearby, take turns doing CPR until help arrives.

Call 9-1-1 to get help on the way. Then, if you know there is an AED nearby, go get it. Start CPR after you follow the AED’s instructions. If an AED isn’t nearby or you aren’t sure, don’t waste time looking for it. Start CPR, and don’t stop until help arrives. Even if you get tired, some CPR is better than no CPR. Keep going!

An AED (automated external defibrillator) can be found in many public places, like retail stores, malls, police or fire stations, sporting complexes, and even some gyms and schools. Ask your workplace or school if there is an AED onsite. Also, practice noticing AEDs in public to stay prepared.

Before you attach an AED pad, make sure the area is dry. Use a towel or dry clothing to fully dry the person’s chest. Then, apply the pad and follow instructions from the AED.

While it is required to remove a shirt, you can place AED pads beneath and beside a bra (in the places illustrated on the AED). This will do the job and deliver an effective shock. Piercings can also be left in place, if the AED pad is not directly touching metal.

Using an AED is the best chance to save this person’s life. You might find it alarming to watch a person’s body react, but remember: The AED only instructs you to push the button and deliver a shock after it analyzes the person’s heart rhythm. The AED will not hurt them. When used properly, it can only help.

Across the United States, Good Samaritan laws protect people, like you, who act in good faith to perform CPR to save lives. In advance, check your local and state laws. In crisis, don’t worry about damages (e.g. cracked ribs) from CPR or AED use. Instead, focus on giving the best first aid response you can.

Due to privacy laws in U.S. healthcare, no hospital or doctor’s office will be legally allowed to give you information about that person’s condition. You can know you did everything possible to ensure their survival. You are part of a vital response.

Both a witness and a rescuer performing CPR will experience stress. Expect strong emotions in the moment, which can linger long after the event. Seek emotional support for yourself, and make a plan for mental health care. Take care of yourself!

CPR works best on a hard, flat surface. If possible, move the person to the floor. If moving them isn’t possible, lay them as flat as you can and start CPR. Any CPR is better than none!

Yes. You can download our official guide, CPR With cardiacSTAR: Questions + Answers (PDF). It can be used as a reminder for what is covered in our CPR training. This guide to CPR is also available here in Spanish (PDF).

Sí. Puede descargar nuestra guía oficial, RCP con cardiacSTAR: preguntas y respuestas (PDF). Puede usarse como resumen de lo que se cubre en nuestra capacitación en RCP. Además, la guía de RCP está disponible en inglés aquí.

Yes! cardiacSTAR® measures the quality of CPR performed during the game and tracks your answers to CPR knowledge questions. As a player, do your best to learn all you can about how to give an excellent first aid response. Pay attention to the onscreen guide showing your CPR quality, and always use your own phone inside the cardiacSTAR® POWER Station when it’s your turn. This makes sure your results are connected to your phone.

cardiacSTAR® provides you with 1-year Hands-Only Adult CPR certification. This does not include child, infant or advanced life support training.

If you score 70% or above, you will automatically be asked on your phone if you wish to become CPR certified. If you say YES, you then will be asked five multiple-choice questions. There is no limit on how many times you can take the test. Once you pass the test and get 100% correct, you can enter your email address and pay a small fee to receive your CPR certification card, good for one year.

After each cardiacSTAR® game, the CPR instructor can select the STAR Challenge. This allows you, as a player, to practice CPR for two more minutes. It’s a second chance to score well and become eligible for CPR certification.

Most people are surprised to learn there is no single accrediting organization for CPR training. Each workplace decides which CPR certification they accept. You are welcome to check requirements with your employer, school, organization, etc.

You can be confident knowing cardiacSTAR® strictly adheres to international CPR education guidelines, same as fellow industry leaders like the American Heart Association (AHA), International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Also, cardiacSTAR CPR training leads to better CPR skill retention than comparable courses from competitors. Furthermore, cardiacSTAR® is the only gamified CPR course that immerses players in the high-stakes, emotional environment that accompanies real-world responses.

The science behind cardiacSTAR® has been featured in medical journals and studies, including in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. To view this and additional information about its success in the field, see cardiacSTAR.com/how-it-works.

Yes. You can download our guide, Earn CPR Certification With cardiacSTAR. It includes details for accreditation and certification. Además, infórmate sobre la acreditación en educación de RCP y la certificación en RCP con cardiacSTAR®.