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Published on: October 24, 2020
Assessment on CPR Knowledge and AED Availability in Saudi Malls by Security Personnel: Public Safety Perspective
Samer A Al Haliq1, Omar M Khraisat2, Mohamed A Kandil1
1Department of Emergency Medical Care, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441/1982, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Security personnel in Saudi malls demonstrate poor knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Urgent training and policy changes are needed to improve survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) requires immediate intervention, with security personnel often being the first responders in public venues like malls.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) alone is insufficient; automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are critical for restoring normal heart function.
- Assessing the current preparedness of security staff in Saudi malls regarding CPR and AED knowledge is essential for improving emergency response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the existing knowledge and availability of CPR and AED among security personnel in Saudi Arabian malls.
- To identify gaps in training and common misconceptions related to CPR and AED procedures within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed, surveying 250 security personnel across seven malls in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
- The survey utilized the American Heart Association (AHA) 2015 guidelines to assess participants' understanding and the accessibility of CPR and AED.
- Data analysis focused on knowledge retention regarding CPR techniques, AED usage, and participant demographics.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of participants lacked formal training in CPR (75.8%) and AED (95.2%).
- Knowledge assessment revealed widespread misconceptions, with correct response rates as low as 7.2% for compression rate and 24.2% for hand placement.
- The study identified a critical deficit in CPR and AED knowledge among security personnel in Saudi public settings.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need to integrate comprehensive CPR and AED training into educational curricula.
- Implementing legislation to mandate AED installation in public spaces and promote CPR/AED education is crucial.
- Improving bystander CPR and AED preparedness can significantly enhance survival rates for OHCA events.
Abstract:
Security personnel are the first ones who attend the scene in the case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at malls. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not enough for those patients; they need an automated external defibrillator (AED) to bring the heart to function normally. This study aimed to assess the current status of CPR and AED knowledge and availability in Saudi malls by security personnel. Using a descriptive design, a study was conducted at seven malls located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and fifty participants were surveyed using the American Heart Association (AHA) 2015 guidelines to assess CPR and AED knowledge and availability in Saudi malls. The sample mean age was 32.60 years (SD = 10.02), and 87% of participants were working as security personnel. The majority of the participants had not received training about CPR and AED (75.8% and 95.2%, respectively). Common misconceptions are fallen into all categories of CPR and AED knowledge. Correctly answered statements ranged from 7.2% in the compression rate to 24.2% in hand placement. The study results indicated a poor training knowledge of CPR and AED in public settings. Integrating high-quality CPR and AED knowledge within the school and college curricula is a vital need. However, in order to maximize the survival rate, it is important to set laws and legislation adopted by stakeholders and decision makers to advocate the people who try to help, mandate AED installation in crowded places, and mandate teaching hands-only CPR and AED together as a package.
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