Stability of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for non-medical staff: A quantitative evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate whether non-medical staff can efficiently perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques after receiving instruction.

Method: Eleven staff members individually performed CPR techniques using a feedback device that provided immediate evaluation and instruction. Each staff member subsequently performed the CPR techniques again and underwent reevaluation. This series of performance, evaluation, instruction, subsequent performance, and reevaluation constituted one training sequence. The training sequences were performed by each participant at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months to examine the longevity of the training.

Results: Training cumulative effects were observed in chest compression depth after 6 and 12 months and in recoil after 6 and 18 months, respectively. Moreover, the effect lasted for 6 months after a single instruction session. The single training effect lasted for at least 6 months, while neither compression tempo nor chest compression fraction (CCF) significantly changed the training efficacy during the study period.

Conclusions: Compression depth and recoil showed short-term efficacy, the single training effect lasted for at least 6 months, and a cumulative effect of instruction was observed. In contrast, tempo and CCF did not significantly change the training efficacy throughout the study period. The quantitative evaluations using a feedback device contributed to CPR instruction longevity.