High School CPR/AED Training in Washington State.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the rates of CPR/AED training in high schools in the state of Washington after passage of legislation mandating CPR/AED training.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

A web-based survey was sent to administrators at 660 public and private high schools in the state of Washington.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The survey was completed by 148 schools (22%); 64% reported providing CPR training and 54% provided AED training. Reported barriers to implementation included instructor availability, cost, and a lack of equipment. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample characteristics and implementation rates. Mandates without resources and support do not ensure implementation of CPR/AED training in high schools. Full public health benefits of a CPR mandate will not be realized until barriers to implementation are identified and eliminated through use of available, accessible public health resources.