STUDY OBJECTIVE

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates remain low in the United States. Training children is a proposed method to increase this rate, but data on the compression efficacy of US elementary school-aged children are scarce. We hypothesized that fourth and fifth graders could learn how to respond to cardiac arrests and provide effective chest compressions.

METHODS

We conducted a nonrandomized before-and-after study with fourth- and fifth-grade elementary students. Two 2-hour CPR educational sessions were held. Two weeks later, skills were assessed using a de novo checklist, and manikin-analyzed compression effectiveness (dichotomized at 50% efficacy) was analyzed using Chi-squared tests. We used paired t tests to evaluate knowledge change on identical pre- and post-tests. Secondary analysis evaluated associations between compression effectiveness and grade, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) using Chi-squared tests.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-six students completed the study. The mean change in test scores measuring CPR knowledge increased from 8.2 to 9.3 (1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9 to 1.2). Self-reported adequate CPR knowledge increased from 44% to 97% (odds ratio [OR] 44.17, 95% CI 12.62 to 154.62). Seventy-two percent of students completed >7/11 predefined resuscitation steps, and 76% delivered ≥50% effective compressions. Grade was significantly associated with achieving ≥50% effective compression (OR 2.02, 95% CI, 1.19 to 3.43). Age, BMI, and sex were not significantly associated with greater compression efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Most students were able to learn hands-only CPR, apply their knowledge during a simulated cardiac arrest scenario, and deliver effective chest compressions. Students' confidence and willingness to perform CPR increased after the intervention.