Optimal refresher training intervals for AED and CPR skills: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Lay volunteer responders are crucial for the National Defibrillator Programme.
• Initial training and a 6-month refresher are standard.
• Optimal intervals for subsequent refresher training require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the ideal refresher training interval for lay volunteer responders.
• To assess the impact of different refresher frequencies on skill retention.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of automated external defibrillator (AED) training programmes.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing refresher intervals.
• Two groups: one with refreshers at 7 and 12 months, another with a 12-month refresher.
• Assessment of skill performance and self-assessed confidence.

Main Results:

• Shorter intervals (7 months) reduced skill loss compared to longer intervals (12 months).
• No significant difference in final skill performance between two or three refresher classes.
• All participants could deliver countershocks; time to first shock decreased.
• Key skills like CPR and pad placement remained poor across groups.
• More frequent refreshers increased self-assessed confidence.

Conclusions:

• Refresher training intervals should not exceed 7 months to limit skill deterioration.
• While countershock ability is maintained, critical intervention skills require improvement.
• Instruction quality and learning strategies need review for better skill acquisition and maintenance.