Evaluation of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course for secondary schools.

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of teaching secondary school students to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to National Research Council (NRC)--American Heart Association (AHA) standards. Criterion levels specified by AHA call for cardiac compression at a rate of 60 times a minute with two ventilations interposed after 15 cardiac compressions. Translated into numerical performance per minute, this standard equates to 36 compressions and six ventilations per minute. Students were instructed by their usual teachers who received a special educational program in preparation. Both immediate learning and retention of the students after three months were evaluated using a practical and a written test. Teacher performance was evaluated by means of a practical test and a behavior rating. CPR is a motor task involving both continuous and discrete processes. Results of the study corresponded to analogous studies in the psychomotor literature: practice group students' retention of continuous skills (breaths and compressions) was good (little loss of skill), while retention of discrete motor skills (open the airway, check vital signs) was poor. Fifty-five per cent of the practice group in the initial test and 31 per cent in the retention study were able to perform the skills. Retention figures compare favorably with studies in the area of psychomotor learning. The study suggests that it is possible to train secondary school students to perform the ABC's of CPR if they have an opportunity to practice these skills. The study also suggests that the teacher training is an important factor.