Internet-based animation for instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Abstract

We have trialled the use of computer animation for teaching basic life support (BLS) to the general public. Two resuscitation scenarios were selected. The first was adult CPR and the second was the management of foreign body airway obstruction using the Heimlich manoeuvre. A manikin was used as the patient. The exact motions performed by the participants during a simulated resuscitation were digitized by using a motion capture technique. Twenty students who had not previously received BLS education were given one hour of traditional instructor-based skill training, and another group of 20 was given one hour of skill practice via the Internet-based animation, which was displayed on a PC monitor. A skill meter on the manikin was used to evaluate the accuracy of CPR skills. Two items, ventilation and compression skills, were assessed and showed no significant differences between the two groups. The results suggest that by using computer animation of BLS through a PDA or a mobile phone, members of the public could maintain their CPR skills.