Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest or drowning, aiming to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives. CPR certification courses are widely available, teaching individuals the necessary skills and knowledge to perform CPR effectively. However, the long-term retention of these skills and knowledge, and the practical application in real-life scenarios, remain areas of concern. This observational study aims to investigate the knowledge retention and practical skills of individuals with CPR certification, focusing on factors that may influence their proficiency.
Introduction
Sudden cardiac arrest is a significant public health issue, with survival rates heavily dependent on immediate bystander intervention. CPR, when performed correctly, can significantly increase the chances of survival until emergency medical services arrive. CPR certification courses provide individuals with the necessary training to recognize cardiac arrest, activate emergency services, and perform chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Despite the widespread availability of CPR training, concerns persist regarding the long-term retention of skills and knowledge. Studies have shown that CPR skills can decline significantly within a few months of certification, highlighting the need for regular refresher training. Furthermore, the ability to translate learned skills into effective action in a stressful, real-life emergency situation is another critical factor.
This observational study seeks to address these concerns by examining the knowledge retention and practical skills of CPR-certified individuals. We aim to identify factors that may contribute to skill decay and explore strategies for improving CPR training and retention.
Methods
This observational study involved a cohort of 50 participants who had completed a CPR certification course within the past 12 months. Participants were recruited through local community centers, workplaces, and online advertisements. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their involvement in the study.
Data collection involved two primary methods: a written knowledge assessment and a practical skills evaluation.
Written Knowledge Assessment: Participants completed a multiple-choice questionnaire designed to assess their understanding of CPR principles, including the recognition of cardiac arrest, the proper sequence of CPR steps (CAB: Compressions, Airway, Breathing), and the appropriate compression rate and depth. The questionnaire also included questions on legal considerations and safety precautions.
Practical Skills Evaluation: Participants were observed performing CPR on a manikin in a simulated emergency scenario. If you have any questions pertaining to in which and how to use cpr certification white plains (click this link), you can call us at our own web-site. The evaluation focused on key skills such as chest compression technique (rate, depth, recoil), airway management (head-tilt chin-lift), and rescue breathing. Trained observers used a standardized checklist to assess the participants' performance, noting any deviations from established CPR guidelines. The checklist included items such as hand placement, compression depth, compression rate, complete chest recoil, airway opening technique, and effective rescue breaths.
In addition to the knowledge assessment and skills evaluation, participants completed a brief demographic questionnaire to gather information on their age, gender, educational background, occupation, and prior CPR experience. They were also asked about their frequency of reviewing CPR materials and their confidence level in performing CPR in a real-life emergency.
Results
The results of the study revealed a mixed picture of CPR knowledge retention and practical skills among the participants.
Knowledge Retention: The average score on the written knowledge assessment was 75%, indicating a reasonable level of understanding of CPR principles. However, there was considerable variability in scores, with some participants demonstrating excellent knowledge while others struggled with basic concepts. Common areas of weakness included the correct compression rate and depth, and the management of airway obstructions.
Practical Skills: The practical skills evaluation revealed a greater degree of variability in performance. While most participants were able to perform chest compressions at an acceptable rate, many struggled with achieving the correct compression depth and allowing for complete chest recoil. Airway management was another area of concern, with some participants failing to properly open the airway before attempting rescue breaths. The average score on the practical skills evaluation was 68%.
- Factors Influencing Performance: Statistical analysis revealed several factors that were significantly associated with CPR knowledge and skills. Participants who had reviewed CPR materials more frequently in the past year performed significantly better on both the knowledge assessment and the practical skills evaluation. Similarly, participants who reported higher levels of confidence in performing CPR also demonstrated better skills. Prior CPR experience, such as having performed CPR in a real-life situation or having participated in refresher training, was also associated with improved performance. Age, gender, educational background, and occupation were not found to be significant predictors of CPR knowledge or skills in this study.
The findings of this observational study highlight the importance of ongoing CPR training and reinforcement. While CPR certification courses provide individuals with the initial knowledge and skills to perform CPR, these skills can decline over time without regular practice and review. The study's results underscore the need for strategies to improve CPR retention and promote confidence in performing CPR in emergency situations.
The significant association between frequency of review and CPR performance suggests that regular refresher training and self-study can play a crucial role in maintaining CPR proficiency. Encouraging individuals to review CPR materials periodically, such as through online resources or brief refresher courses, could help to reinforce key concepts and skills.
The study also found a strong correlation between confidence level and CPR performance. This suggests that building confidence in one's ability to perform CPR is essential for effective action in an emergency. CPR training programs should focus not only on teaching technical skills but also on building participants' confidence through realistic simulations and positive reinforcement.
Limitations
This study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The study was also observational in nature, meaning that we could not establish causal relationships between the factors examined and CPR performance. Furthermore, the practical skills evaluation was conducted in a simulated environment, which may not fully reflect the challenges of performing CPR in a real-life emergency.
Conclusion
This observational study provides valuable insights into the knowledge retention and practical skills of CPR-certified individuals. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing CPR training and reinforcement to maintain proficiency and promote confidence in performing CPR in emergency situations. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating strategies for improving CPR retention and translating learned skills into effective action in real-life scenarios. This could include exploring the use of technology-enhanced training methods, such as virtual reality simulations, and developing community-based CPR programs that provide ongoing support and practice opportunities. Ultimately, improving CPR training and retention can save lives and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
