Eighth grade students become proficient at CPR and use of an AED following a condensed training programme

Resuscitation. 2006 Nov;71(2):229-36. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2006.03.015. Epub 2006 Sep 20.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a new, 1-h, condensed training programme to teach continuous chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCC-CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) skills to a cohort of eight grade public school students.

Results: Thirty-three eligible subjects completed the programme; mean age 13.7 years; 48.5% female. Eight participants reported some prior training in CPR and AED use. Following initial training, 29/33 (87.8%) subjects demonstrated proficiency at CCC-CPR and AED application/operation in a mock adult cardiac arrest scenario. At four-weeks, 28/33 (84.8%) subjects demonstrated skill retention in similar scenario testing. Subjects also showed improvement in written knowledge regarding AED use as shown by scores on an AHA based written exam (60.9% versus 77.3%; p<0.001).

Conclusion: With our focused, condensed training program, eighth grade public school students became proficient in CCC-CPR and AED use. This is the first study to document the ability of middle school students to learn and retain CCC-CPR and AED skills for adult sudden cardiac arrest victims with such a curriculum.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arizona
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / education*
  • Defibrillators*
  • Educational Measurement*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Program Evaluation
  • Prospective Studies
  • Students*