Temporarily Removed

The investigation of the efficiency of basic life support education among high school students: Protocol, design and implementation of an interventional, prospective longitudinal, individually randomised, parallel 1:1 grouped trial

Background

Basic life support (BLS) skills are crucial not only for healthcare workers but for all lay people as well. Timely recognition of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and the initiation of BLS by bystanders before the arrival of healthcare personnel may improve survival. There are several methods of spreading BLS skills and improve BLS skill retention among lay people. One of these methods can be the education of adolescent school children. The introduction of mandatory BLS education in schools was very effective in some European countries to increase the rate of bystander BLS.

Methods/design

The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of a BLS training and BLS curriculum among high school children in Hungary. Moreover, the investigators would like to optimise factors influencing skill retention in this first responder group and aim to compare two types of teaching methods: feedback given by the instructor or software-based feedback on the efficacy of chest compressions during the course. This study will be an interventional, assessor blinded, individually randomised parallel group trial recruiting 360 students. BLS skill retention will be assessed at the end of the course, two months after the training and six months after training.

Discussion

The current study will increase our knowledge on the methods educating BLS among high school children. The results will help us to create an effective BLS curriculum at schools.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06016153. Prospectively registered on 08/2023.

Identifying areas of Australia with high out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidence and low bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates: A retrospective, observational study

AIM

This study aims to explore regional variation and identify regions within Australia with high incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and low rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

METHOD

Adult OHCAs of presumed medical aetiology occurring across Australia between 2017 and 2019 were mapped onto local government areas (LGA) using the location of arrest coordinates. Bayesian spatial models were applied to provide "smoothed" estimates of OHCA incidence and bystander CPR rates (for bystander-witnessed OHCAs) for each LGA. For each state and territory, high-risk LGAs were defined as those with an incidence rate greater than the state or territory's 75th percentile and a bystander CPR rate less than the state or territory's 25th percentile.

RESULTS

A total of 62,579 OHCA cases attended by emergency medical services across 543 LGAs nationwide were included in the study. Nationally, the OHCA incidence rate across LGA ranged from 58.5 to 198.3 persons per 100,000, while bystander CPR rates ranged from 45% to 75%. We identified 60 high-risk LGAs, which were predominantly located in the state of New South Wales. Within each region, high-risk LGAs were typically located in regional and remote areas of the country, except for four metropolitan areas-two in Adelaide and two in Perth.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified high-risk LGAs, characterised by high incidence and low bystander CPR rates, which are predominantly in regional and remote areas of Australia. Strategies for reducing OHCA and improving bystander response may be best targeted at these regions.

Logistic and cognitive-emotional barriers experienced by first responders when alarmed to get dispatched to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events: a region-wide survey

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major public health concern with low survival rates. First responders (FRs) and public access defibrillation (PAD) programs can significantly improve survival, although barriers to response activation persist. The Emilia Romagna region in Italy has introduced a new system, the DAE RespondER App, to improve the efficiency of FR dispatch in response to OHCA. The study aimed to evaluate the association between different logistic factors, FRs' perceptions, and their decision to accept or decline dispatch to an OHCA scene using the DAE RespondER App. A cross-sectional web survey was conducted, querying 14,518 registered FRs using the DAE RespondER app in Emilia Romagna. The survey explored logistic and cognitive-emotional perceptions towards barriers in responding to OHCAs. Statistical analysis was conducted, with responses adjusted using non-response weights. 4,644 responses were obtained (32.0% response rate). Among these, 1,824 (39.3%) had received at least one dispatch request in the past year. Multivariable logistic regression showed that being male, having previous experience with OHCA situations, and having an automated external defibrillator (AED) available at the moment of the call were associated with a higher probability of accepting the dispatch. Regarding FRs' perceptions, logistic obstacles were associated with mission rejection, while higher scores in cognitive-emotional obstacles were associated with acceptance. The study suggests that both logistical and cognitive-emotional factors are associated with FRs' decision to accept a dispatch. Addressing these barriers and further refining the DAE RespondER App can enhance the effectiveness of PAD programs, potentially improving survival rates for OHCA. The insights from this study can guide the development of interventions to improve FR participation and enhance overall OHCA response systems.

Teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation using virtual reality: A randomized study

BACKGROUND

The main functions of healthcare professionals include training and health education. In this sense, we must be able to incorporate new technologies and serious game to the teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

METHODS

a multicenter, comparative and cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the learning of resuscitation of a group that was trained with the use of serious gaming with virtual reality, as compared to a control group trained with conventional classroom teaching.

RESULTS

the mean quality obtained in chest compressions for the virtual reality group was 86.1 % (SD 9.3), and 74.8 % (SD 9.5) for the control group [mean difference 11.3 % (95 % CI 6.6-16.0), p < 0.001]. Salivary Alpha-Amylase was 218.882 (SD 177.621) IU/L for the virtual reality group and 155.190 (SD 116.746) IU/L for the control group [mean difference 63.691 (95 % CI 122.998-4.385), p = 0.037].

CONCLUSION

using virtual reality and serious games can improve the quality parameters of chest compressions as compared to traditional training.

Improving survival after cardiac arrest in Europe: The synergetic effect of rescue chain strategies

Sudden cardiac arrest is a global problem and is considered the third leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Patient survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) vary significantly between countries and continents. In particular, the 2021 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Resuscitation Guidelines place a special focus on the chain of survival of patients after OHCA. As a complex, interconnected approach, the focus is on: Raising awareness for cardiac arrest and lay resuscitation, school children's education in resuscitation "KIDS SAVE LIVES", first responder systems - technologies to engage the community, telephone-assisted resuscitation (telephone-CPR; T-CPR) by dispatchers, and cardiac arrest centers (CAC) for further treatment in specialized hospitals. The Systems Saving Lives approach is a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all links in the chain of survival following an OHCA, with a particular focus on the relationship between the community and emergency medical services (EMS). This system-level approach emphasizes the importance of the connection between all those involved in the chain of survival. It has a high potential to improve overall survival after OHCA. Therefore, it is recommended that these strategies be promoted and expanded in all countries.

[Layperson basic life support education in Austria: An overview]

Early interventions of laypersons can improve the survival and neurological outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. There are several organizations in Austria which train lay people in basic life support and raise awareness for sudden cardiac death. To obtain an overview of the various initiatives, a questionnaire was sent to 26 organizations, and 15 of the organizations (58%) replied. The geographical distribution of the organizations between rural and urban areas was illustrated in a map. Most of them are situated in a university city, resulting in accessibility disparities for individuals in urban and rural settings. Layperson resuscitation education in Austria is largely dependent on the individual commitments of volunteers. The time spent practicing chest compressions in resuscitation courses ranges from 25% to 90% of the total course time. Furthermore, reasons for a lack of scientific endeavours could be identified, and solutions are suggested. Through better networking between organizations and initiatives, more laypersons could be trained in the future, which would lead to improved survival chances for persons suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Austria. Appropriate support by political bodies and public authorities is and will remain a key element.

Empowering the next Generation: An innovative "Kids Save Lives" blended learning programme for schoolchildren training

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines recommend teaching resuscitation from school age; however, little is known about the best methods to provide it. We devised a blended learning program for primary and secondary students (Kids Save Lives - KSL) consisting of brief lectures, practical training with mannequins, and virtual reality. We aimed to evaluate its impact on students' attitudes towards intervening during cardiac arrest and their knowledge about basic life support.

METHODS

This observational, prospective, before-and-after study assessed attitudes and basic life support knowledge in primary and secondary school children exposed to the KSL program. 20 events were conducted in the metropolitan area of Bologna, Italy. A multiple-choice test (before and after the course) explored attitude, knowledge and perceptions of realism, engagement, and agreement with the virtual reality method.

RESULTS

A total of 1,179 students (response rate 81.4%) were included in the final analysis, with 12.89% from primary schools, 5.94% from middle schools, and 81.17% from high schools. Students' willingness to intervene during a cardiac arrest rose from 56.9% to 93.1% (p < 0.001) post-course. The course's realism, engagement, and future prospects received positive feedback, with median scores notably higher in primary schools compared to secondary schools.

CONCLUSION

The blended learning method improved students' understanding of basic life support techniques and their attitude to act during cardiac arrest situations. The positive reception of the virtual reality component underscores technology's potential to bolster engagement and should be further explored for basic life support teaching in schoolchildren.

Favourable neurological outcome following paediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in children is rare and can potentially result in severe neurological impairment. Our study aimed to identify characteristics of and factors associated with favourable neurological outcome following the resuscitation of children by the Swiss helicopter emergency medical service.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study screened the Swiss Air-Ambulance electronic database from 01-01-2011 to 31-12-2021. We included all primary missions for patients ≤ 16 years with OHCA. The primary outcome was favourable neurological outcome after 30 days (cerebral performance categories (CPC) 1 and 2). Multivariable linear regression identified potential factors associated with favourable outcome (odd ratio - OR).

RESULTS

Having screened 110,331 missions, we identified 296 children with OHCA, which we included in the analysis. Patients were 5.0 [1.0; 12.0] years old and 61.5% (n = 182) male. More than two-thirds had a non-traumatic OHCA (67.2%, n = 199), while 32.8% (n = 97) had a traumatic OHCA. Thirty days after the event, 24.0% (n = 71) of patients were alive, 18.9% (n = 56) with a favourable neurological outcome (CPC 1 n = 46, CPC 2 n = 10). Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR 10.34; 95%CI 2.29-51.42; p = 0.002) and non-traumatic aetiology (OR 11.07 2.38-51.42; p = 0.002) were the factors most strongly associated with favourable outcome. Factors associated with an unfavourable neurological outcome were initial asystole (OR 0.12; 95%CI 0.04-0.39; p < 0.001), administration of adrenaline (OR 0.14; 95%CI 0.05-0.39; p < 0.001) and ongoing chest compression at HEMS arrival (OR 0.17; 95%CI 0.04-0.65; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

In this study, 18.9% of paediatric OHCA patients survived with a favourable neurologic outcome 30 days after treatment by the Swiss helicopter emergency medical service. Immediate bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and non-traumatic OHCA aetiology were the factors most strongly associated with a favourable neurological outcome. These results underline the importance of effective bystander and first-responder rescue as the foundation for subsequent professional treatment of children in cardiac arrest.

Outcomes of medical students training schoolchildren of ages 13-18 in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A systematic review

Background

Training schoolchildren in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can increase the number of qualified people in the community, which in turn can improve survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). Medical students could be a valuable resource for providing the training. This systematic review aims to determine the outcomes of medical students providing CPR training to schoolchildren, aged 13-18 (who are thought to have the strength for effective chest compression), specifically CPR skills for both and non-technical skills such as communication and leadership for medical students.

Methods

A literature search of academic databases was conducted on 5 July 2023 using the following keywords: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support, medical students and high/middle/secondary school students. For the purpose of this review, "schoolchildren" refer to those aged 13-18. Studies were included where the primary focus was medical students teaching CPR to schoolchildren. The studies were critically appraised using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) tool and outcomes categorised by Kirkpatrick's Levels.

Results

Eleven studies were included, six randomised controlled trials and five cohort studies, with 1670 schoolchildren and 355 medical students as participants. Eight studies examined outcomes targeting schoolchildren, two examined outcomes for medical students and one examined both. Four of the eleven studies used validated outcome measures. Only outcomes at Kirkpatrick Level 1 and 2 were found, and all outcomes for both schoolchildren and medical students were positive. Schoolchildren showed improvements in theoretical and practical elements of CPR post-training, while medical students demonstrated improved professional practice skills such as leadership and mentorship as well as improvements in their own CPR skills post-teaching.

Conclusions

Schoolchildren can effectively acquire CPR skills through being trained by medical students, who themselves also benefit from improved CPR and professional practice skills after teaching. Further studies with robust methodology such as multi-site randomised controlled trials, the use of consistent and validated outcome measures, and the measurement of outcomes at higher Kirkpatrick levels to determine the impact on bystander CPR rates and community OHCA survival rates, are needed.

Comparison of instructor-led compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training for secondary school students: A multicenter noninferiority randomized trial

Background

Many barriers exist to the wider and sustainable implementation of basic life support (BLS) training in secondary schools. Whether trained teacher instructors are not worse than healthcare instructors by 20% (noninferiority margin) of simulated BLS skills for secondary school students is unclear.

Methods

We conducted a two-armed, parallel, noninferiority, blinded, randomized controlled trial at four secondary schools in Hong Kong after teachers had undergone BLS training. Students were randomized to either the trained teacher or healthcare instructor group for the 2-hour compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (CO-CPRAED) course. The assessors for the students' BLS skill performance six months after the CO-CPRAED course were blinded.

Results

Of the 33 trained teachers, 13 (39.4%) volunteered to be instructors for the CO-CPRAED course. Three hundred and eleven students (median age: 15 years, 67% males) were randomized to either the teacher (n = 161) or healthcare (n = 150) instructor group. The BLS skill performance passing rate (%) at six months was high in both instructor groups (teacher: 88% versus healthcare: 91%; mean difference: -3%, 95% CI: -11% to 5%; P = 0.22). The students' knowledge levels remained high (>90%) and were similar between instructor groups at six months (P = 0.91). The teachers' willingness to teach BLS to students was mildly positive. However, the students were extremely positive towards learning and performing BLS.

Conclusions

A brief 2-hour CO-CPRAED intervention by trained teachers was noninferior to healthcare instructors and it was associated with students' very positive attitudes towards CPR, and retention of knowledge and BLS skills.