Short Survey on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Training in Rural British Columbia Schools: Preliminary Findings and Hypothesis-Generating Insights

Ali Khatib ¹, Saif Dababneh ¹, Trevor Ng ¹

⁰Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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November 11, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Rural British Columbia schools show significant gaps in automated external defibrillator (AED) access and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, particularly for younger students. This highlights a critical need for improved policies and resources to enhance emergency preparedness in these underserved areas.

Area Of Science

Public Health
Emergency Medicine
Educational Policy

Background

Over 7000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in British Columbia (BC), with rural areas disproportionately affected due to slower emergency medical service response and limited specialized care.
Automated external defibrillator (AED) access and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training are known to improve cardiac arrest outcomes, yet their availability in rural BC schools is not well-documented.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the accessibility of AEDs and the prevalence of CPR and AED training in rural schools across British Columbia.
To identify obstacles hindering the implementation of CPR and AED training programs within these educational institutions.

Main Methods

An online survey was administered to principals and vice-principals of rural schools in BC.
The survey collected data on school demographics, AED installation status, and the extent of CPR and/or AED training for both staff and students.
Specific questions addressed barriers encountered in implementing such training programs.

Main Results

Out of 50 surveyed rural schools (23 elementary, 6 middle, 21 high schools), 72% reported having at least one AED installed.
Staff CPR training was mandated in 46% of schools, while only 24% provided CPR training to students.
A statistically significant gap (P < 0.05) in CPR training was observed for elementary and middle school students compared to high school students.

Conclusions

Significant disparities exist in AED accessibility and CPR training coverage across different school levels in rural BC.
Barriers to training implementation include funding shortages, lack of curricular priority, time constraints, and limited resources.
Targeted policies and innovative educational strategies are crucial to enhance emergency preparedness and improve cardiac arrest survival rates in underserved rural communities.

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