Effectiveness of simplified 15-min refresher BLS training program: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Background:

• Basic life support (BLS) training is crucial for emergency response.
• Chest compression-only BLS training is a common initial approach.
• Long-term retention of BLS skills after initial training requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term effectiveness of a brief refresher basic life support (BLS) training.
• To evaluate skill retention 1 year after initial chest compression-only BLS training.

Main Methods:

• Participants received 45-min chest compression-only BLS training.
• One group received a 15-min BLS refresher 6 months later; a control group did not.
• Resuscitation skills were tested via a 2-min scenario 1 year post-training.

Main Results:

• The refresher group performed significantly more appropriate chest compressions (68.9±72.3 vs. 36.3±50.8).
• Time without chest compressions was significantly shorter in the refresher group (16.1±2.1s vs. 26.9±3.7s).
• No significant differences were found in time to chest compression or AED use.

Conclusions:

• A short 15-minute BLS refresher course enhances chest compression skills retention up to one year.
• Repeated, brief BLS training is effective in maintaining optimal CPR quality.
• This study highlights the value of periodic skill reinforcement in BLS.