A randomised controlled comparison of video versus instructor-based compression only life support training.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Sudden cardiac death is a global health crisis, with most events occurring outside hospitals.
• Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is critical, but training is hindered by illiteracy and healthcare professional shortages in developing nations.
• Video-based CPR training presents an accessible solution for widespread public education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of video-based demonstration (VBD) versus instructor-based demonstration (IBD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.
• To compare psychomotor skill development and participant perceptions of training quality.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-over observational study involving 109 undergraduate students.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either VBD or IBD for compression-only life support (COLS).
• Psychomotor skills were assessed using Laerdal Simpad Plus Q-CPR technology.

Main Results:

• Video-based demonstration (VBD) led to significantly higher rates of scene safety (95.2%) and calling for help (97.6%) compared to instructor-based demonstration (IBD) (76.1% each, P < 0.05).
• Response to compression time (RCT) was substantially shorter in the VBD group (35 ± 9 sec) versus the IBD group (54 ± 14 sec, P < 0.001).
• Key CPR performance metrics, such as response check and correct site identification, were comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Video-based COLS training significantly improved response time by 35% compared to traditional instructor-based training.
• While response time is enhanced, other indicators of high-quality CPR performance remain consistent across both training modalities.
• Video-based training is a viable and effective method for improving CPR response efficiency in laypersons.