Ali S. Raja, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP

Lay participants who learned CPR through a 45-minute compression-only program performed more and better chest compressions at 1 year than those who underwent standard 180-minute training.

Initiation of bystander compressions and minimization of interruptions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) both have been shown to improve outcomes in patients undergoing CPR (NEJM JW Emerg Med Oct 22 2010, NEJM JW Emerg Med Oct 18 2013, NEJM JW Emerg Med Jan 26 2007, NEJM JW Emerg Med Jun 5 2009). However, CPR training can be time-intensive for both instructors and students. Researchers in Japan evaluated whether a 45-minute video-based compression-only training session (augmented with 1 instructor for every 20 students) resulted in skills retention equivalent to that of a conventional 180-minute course taught by 1 instructor for every 4 students.

In a randomized study of 146 non-health sciences college students, participants' skills were evaluated at 6 months and 1 year using a man-down scenario at a department store; 88% of the compression-only group and 76% of the conventional group completed the study. At 1 year, the compression-only group performed significantly more chest compressions in 2 minutes (mean, 192 vs. 123), had a higher proportion of appropriate compressions (60% vs. 46%), and spent less time without compressions (mean, 12 seconds vs. 53 seconds). Speed and appropriateness of automated external defibrillator use was similar in the two groups.

Citation(s):

Nishiyama C et al. Long-term retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills after shortened chest compression–only training and conventional training: a randomized controlled trial. Acad Emerg Med 2014 Jan; 21:47.