Comparison between a low-cost model (CPR Pillow) and a mannequin in training hands only cardiopulmonary resuscitation...

CPR is an important lifesaving skill that can improve outcomes of patients in cardiac arrest. Mass training of hands-only CPR is one of the ways to spread information and teach this skill. Need for expensive CPR mannequins are a limiting factor in conducting such mass training programmes. This study assessed the effectiveness of a low-cost CPR pillow model in training hands-only CPR.

Two hundred and six undergraduate students underwent a two-hour CPR training session. They were randomly divided into two groups - mannequin group and CPR pillow group and practiced hands-only CPR on a standard mannequin and a low-cost CPR pillow model, respectively. Knowledge, attitude, and skill acquisition were objectively assessed and compared between the two groups.

There was no statistical difference in hand positioning, chest compression rate and fraction, depth and overall CPR score between the two groups trained via mannequin and CPR Pillow (P > 0.05). The CPR pillow group had better percentage of chest recoil as compared to the mannequin group (86% vs 73%; P < 0.001).

The use of low-cost homemade CPR devices such as our CPR pillow model is an acceptable alternative to mannequin for training hands-only CPR to lay rescuers.