The Effect of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Education on the CPR Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Confidence in Performing CPR among Elementary School Students in Korea

Evaluation of Confidence and Knowledge Regarding Chest Compression Training Among Children at a Health Promotion Event

Introduction Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) significantly increases out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates. Early CPR implementation and public education are essential for everyone, including children. Despite challenges such as ensuring proper chest compression depth in children, early CPR training at school is beneficial and supported by various studies. However, few studies demonstrate the effectiveness of CPR training for children in environments outside of school, such as health festivals. We conducted chest compression training for children under 15 years who attended a hospital festival and evaluated the changes in their confidence and knowledge of the training. Methods This study evaluated chest compression training in children under 15 years old at a hospital festival. Participants included preschoolers to junior high school students. Training effectiveness was assessed using pre- and post-training questionnaires to measure confidence in and knowledge of chest compressions. Data were analyzed using the χ² test to compare responses before and after training, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The training involved a 10-minute hands-only session using CPR mannequins conducted by paramedics, doctors, and nursing students. Results The study included 180 children (51% male, 49% female). Only 14% had prior CPR training. After CPR training, significant improvements in confidence and knowledge regarding chest compressions were observed among preschool and elementary school students. The overall correct response rate increased from 51% to 97% for the location and from 59% to 92% for the depth of chest compressions. Discussion This study evaluated CPR training for children at a hospital festival and showed that few children have experience with CPR training. Our CPR training improved children's confidence and knowledge of chest compressions. Despite concerns about the strength of younger children in effective chest compressions, preschool, and elementary school children showed high motivation and capability. This study highlights the importance of early CPR education supported by both school and health festival initiatives. The limitations include the short training duration and lack of automated external defibrillator instructions. Conclusion We confirmed that CPR training at a hospital festival improves children's knowledge and confidence. Future large-scale studies are needed to evaluate long-term retention and broader age ranges.

A comparison between the effects of simulation of basic CPR training and workshops on firefighters' knowledge and skills: experimental study

BACKGROUND

One of the most common causes of death worldwide is cardiopulmonary arrest. Firefighters are among the first responders at the scenes of accidents and can, therefore, play a key part in performing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for victims who need it. The present study was conducted to compare the effects of simulation training against workshops on the CPR knowledge and skills of firefighters in the south of Iran.

METHODS

This experimental (Interventional) study was conducted on 60 firefighters of south of Fars province, Iran. The study was undertaken from March to July 2023. Through random allocation, the participants were divided into two groups: simulation-based training (30 members) and traditional workshop training (30 members). The participants' CPR knowledge and practical skills were measured before, immediately after, and three months after intervention.

RESULTS

The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest CPR knowledge and skill mean scores of the simulation groups as compared to the workshop group (p < 0.001). As measured three months after the intervention, the firefighters' knowledge and skill mean scores were still significantly different from their pretest mean scores (p < 0.001); however, they had declined, which can be attributed to the fact that the study population did not frequently exercise CPR.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of the study, even though both methods of education were effective on enhancing the firefighters' CPR knowledge and skill, simulation training had a far greater impact than training in workshops. In view of the decline in the participants' knowledge and skill scores over time, it is recommended that short simulation training courses on CPR should be repeated on a regular basis.

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.

Attitudes of Asian and Polish Adolescents towards the Use of Ecological Innovations in CPR Training

BACKGROUND

The potential use of manikins made of environmentally friendly materials (biodegradable or easily recycled) could be a milestone in promoting cardiac arrest awareness and mass resuscitation training without the threat of generating large amounts of unprocessable waste. The main aim of the study was to compare the attitude of young adults from Asia and Poland towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation training forms and to evaluate the innovative concept of an ecological resuscitation manikin; Methods: This was a survey-based study conducted during two events in Thailand and Poland in 2023; Results: A total of 226 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Asian respondents were significantly more likely to choose traditional training than Polish participants (78% vs. 58%, respectively). A manikin that is mainly biodegradable was the most common choice across the entire study group. Young Asians were significantly more likely to choose a traditional stationary course, while Polish respondents were highly significantly more likely to opt for hybrid training (online with practical training provided at the student's home).

CONCLUSIONS

In the total study group, young people from Poland and parts of Asia are most likely to participate in traditional on-site instructor-led training, but a comparison across groups showed a significant tendency for young Poles to choose a hybrid training option, i.e., a combination of online and hands-on training. Despite some differences, both study groups showed a strong interest in pro-environmental behavior and the use of more ecofriendly solutions than previously used in resuscitation training.