Abstract 16712: Premedical Students are an Effective and Cost Efficient Way to Teach Large Numbers of People Hands Only CPR in a Community Based Approach

Abstract

Introduction: There are approximately 750 cases of cardiac arrest in Jefferson Co, KY each year and only an estimated 6-14% of these individuals survive. The overwhelming death rate can in part be attributed to the low amount of by-stander CPR being performed. A citywide CPR initiative was started to increase the amount of by-stander CPR and ultimately increase the cardiac arrest survival rate. Hypothesis: Premedical students can be trained as hands only CPR instructors and can teach large numbers of people hands only CPR in a community based approach cost effectively. Methods: The program officially launched in the summer of 2014. Over a 12 month period, 12 premedical students were taught to become hands only CPR instructors. These instructors went into high schools, community based organizations and churches to educate individuals on cardiac arrest, hands only CPR, and preventative health measures. Demographic data was collected as well as a pre and post test was performed by each student to gauge the efficacy of the teaching program. Results: During the study period, 7554 people in Louisville, KY participated in the hands only CPR classes. We taught classes in 30 high schools and reached over 90% of all freshmen high school students in Louisville. We taught people in each zip code in Louisville and taught greater than 75 people in 25 of the 35 (70%) zip codes in Louisville. The cost for this program was $3.40/person taught hands only CPR. Conclusions: Using premedical students as hands only CPR instructors is an effective way of teaching large numbers of people hands only CPR in a cost effective manner. This program could be reproduced in other communities.