Basic Life Support: an accessible tool in layperson training

Abstract

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES 1) To evaluate the efficiency of a new method of training laypeople on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 2) To assess previous knowledge of the participants. METHODS Instructors were trained according to the 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines, with emphasis on CPR. Dummies made with PET bottles were used, and a questionnaire was applied to the participants before and after training. Statistical analysis was performed in the R commander program. Participants with incomplete documents were excluded from the study. RESULTS Out of 101 participants, 96 were included: 69 lay people, 17 health professionals, and ten health students. There was an improvement in the overall performance after training (mean pre: 62.7%, mean post: 75.8%, p <0.01), also present in the following main concepts: “mouth-to-mouth breathing is not necessary” (p <0.01), “risk of contamination” (p <0.01), “compression technique” (p <0.01). The concepts “recognition of severity” and “what is chest compression” did not improve, but had good pre-test means, 96.8% and 81.2%. There was no statistical difference in the knowledge between the groups (laypeople vs. health professionals and students, pre=0,06 e post=0,33). CONCLUSION The tools used in training were efficient. However, further studies are necessary to assess the long-term impact of this intervention.