Distributing personal resuscitation manikins in an untrained population: how well are basic life support skills acquired?. Issue 7 (19th August 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nielsen, Anne Møller; Isbye, Dan Lou; Lippert, Freddy; Rasmussen, Lars Simon
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 29:Issue 7(2012)
• Page Start: 587
• Page End: 591
• Publication Date: 2011-08-19
• Subjects: Cardiac arrest -- basic life support (BLS) -- manikin -- training -- cardiac arrest; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2011-200098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Self-instruction with a DVD and a simple personal manikin is an effective alternative to traditional basic life support (BLS) courses. Objective: To evaluate the effect of distributing DVD training kits to untrained laypersons. BLS skills were compared according to 2005 guidelines for resuscitation after 3.5 months with those obtained in untrained laypersons who completed the same course with instructor facilitation. Methods: BLS skills of 55 untrained laypersons were assessed using the Laerdal ResusciAnne and PC Skill Reporting System in a 3 min test and a total score (12–48 points) was calculated. The participants received a DVD training kit without instructions. The test was repeated after 3.5 months. Data were compared with data from a previous published study where participants completed the same course in groups with instructor facilitation. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the total score after 3.5 months. The 'DVD—self-instructor' group obtained 33 (29–37) points and the 'DVD—with instructor' group obtained 34 (32–37) points, p=0.16. The 'DVD—with instructor' group performed significantly better in checking responsiveness and had a significantly shorter 'total hands-off time' (s) (85 (76–94) vs 96 (82–120), p=0.002) and delay until first compression or ventilation group (29 s (17–40) vs 33 s (22–48), p=0.04). Conclusions: Since no significant difference in total BLS score was found after 3.5 months between untrained laypersons who either completed a DVD-based BLS course in groups with instructor facilitation or received the same DVD training kit without instruction, the latter seems more efficient.