Abstract 12740: CPR Training in Schools: What Can be Learned From Iowa’s Experience?

Abstract

Introduction: Survival from out of hospital cardiac arrest has remained almost constant at 10-12% over several decades. In a witnessed arrest, prompt initiation of bystander CPR has been demonstrated to double the chance of survival. Overall CPR training rates in the United States are low: 2.4% per year. Currently, 21 states have adopted legislation to increase CPR training in schools. Iowa has required CPR as a high school graduation requirement since 2011 through an unfunded mandate. The objective of this study is to understand the implementation process, practices and barriers to providing CPR education to high school students. We surveyed Iowa high schools to provide guidance for nascent programs based on 4 years of experience. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed through surveys sent to 346 Iowa high schools using the Qualtrics™ online platform. A 20 question survey was developed to obtain descriptive data covering general demographics of the school, specifics of the CPR training programs including what year the program was implemented, who performs the training and in which setting it occurs, logistics and barriers to implementation, and AED training and availability. Results: Response rate was 24.3%, with a mean school size of 100-500 students and a mean faculty size of 25-50. When the law took effect in 2011, 51% of schools had training programs already in place, and currently 96% have successfully implemented CPR training. Perceived barriers to implementation were staffing, time commitment, cost, and equipment availability. The training facilitator was a school official or unpaid volunteer in 81% of schools, only 19% reported a paid instructor. Average estimated time commitment was 2 hours. The average estimated startup costs as well as yearly maintenance costs were <$500 with funds usually allocated from existing school district funds. A low proportion of staff is trained in CPR: 69% of schools have less than 25 staff members who are CPR trained. AEDS are available in 98% of schools while only 61% include AED training in their training curriculum. Conclusions: Despite perceived barriers, school CPR training programs can be implemented with reasonable resource and time allocations.