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An assessment of CPR skills using simulation: Are first responders prepared to save lives?
Ruth Everett-Thomas1, Mercedes Yero-Aguayo2, Beatriz Valdes3
1University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, UM-JMH Center for Patient Safety R-320, 1611 N.W, 12 Avenue Institute 427, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Insights
American Heart Association CPR training may be insufficient for outpatient clinic first responders. Skills were poor, suggesting frequent basic life support training is needed for high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiovascular Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Current American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend biyearly recertification and annual mandatory CPR training.
- The efficacy of these recommendations for first responders in outpatient settings is questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current AHA CPR training guidelines for outpatient clinic first responders.
- To assess the basic level of CPR proficiency among these healthcare professionals.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 40 simulated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) encounters.
- Utilized a 19-item assessment form to quantify CPR skills.
- Compared performance scores between two viewing modalities.
Main Results:
- Mean performance scores on the first encounter were slightly above the minimum required score (24).
- Scores improved marginally to 27-28 after a second simulated SCA.
- Overall CPR skill proficiency was found to be poor.
Conclusions:
- Existing AHA training protocols may be suboptimal for outpatient first responders.
- Frequent basic life support training is likely necessary to improve CPR quality in this population.
Abstract:
The American Heart Association's (AHA) recommendation for biyearly recertification and annual mandatory CPR training may be suboptimal for first responders (nurses and technicians) working in outpatient clinics (American Heart Association, 2013). To determine the efficacy of the AHA guidelines, 40 simulated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) encounters were conducted followed by debriefing and a subsequent SCA to determine a basic level of CPR proficiency. First responders' CPR skills were evaluated using a 19-item assessment form to quantify the event. A comparison of scores using two different viewing modalities was performed to provide an assessment of the training program. Of the 40 sessions, group mean performance scores for the first encounter were just above the organization's minimum required score of 24. Performance scores increased slightly (27-28) after the second encounter. Proficiency of skills was poor and frequent basic life support training may be indicated to help first responders provide high-quality CPR.
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