CPR Certification Research Articles

CPR Memory and Skill Degradation Among Non-Allied Healthcare Professionals

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a lifesaving technique that is useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack, stroke, choking, or drowning, in which someone’s breathing and heartbeat have stopped.Under the guidelines put forth by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Organization (ECC), the American Red Cross and American Heart Association currently require that an individual’s CPR certification be renewed every two years. However, data has suggested that non-allied healthcare providers, such as school-based personnel, may require more regular training to maintain required CPR proficiency levels. Four hundred non-allied healthcare professionals from a school district in central Georgia were CPR-certified under the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Saver curriculum. Participants included 153 males and 247 females from elementary, middle, and high school settings. Participants included administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff. Two tenured college professors from the School of Health and Human Performance were responsible for teaching and certifying study participants. Each of these professors possessed a minimum of five years of CPR certification experience with the American Heart Association. Course sizes were limited to 12-15 participants. All CPR certification courses were implemented under standardized, controlled circumstances. Following the initial certification, twenty-five percent of participants were randomly selected to be reassessed at either three, six, nine, or twelve months, respectively, to determine memory and skill degradation rates and patterns. Degradation of declarative and procedural knowledge was observed during subsequent retest sessions at each of the three-, six-, nine-, and twelve-month marks. Scores depreciated approximately 10% each three-month retesting period, to 88%, 79%, 69%, and 57%, respectively. Data suggest that after six months, participants failed to meet the AHA standards for demonstrating acceptable declarative and procedural knowledge related to CPR implementation. Due to the observed degradation in both declarative and procedural knowledge, it is apparent that a more periodic training and recertification process in CPR is required for school-based personnel. A more consistent and periodic approach to preparing school-based first responders may prove beneficial in maintaining CPR proficiency rates, which very well could save lives.

Readiness and Challenges in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Teaching: A Preliminary Perspective Amongst Malaysian Secondary School Principles

Introduction: Malaysia has not legalized CPR teaching in the national curriculum, leaving it to school principals to implement the teaching of CPR who may have limited knowledge. This study aims to investigate Malaysian secondary school principals’ level of readiness, defined as knowledge, attitude, willingness to teach CPR, and barriers to implementation. Methods: Malaysian secondary school principals were invited to complete a survey that consisted of five parts: (1) demographics, (2) CPR knowledge, (3) attitude towards CPR, (4) willingness to teach CPR, and (5) barriers to implementing CPR teaching. Results: A total of 54 secondary school principals responded to the survey. Three (5.6%) principals passed the CPR test. More than 80% agreed CPR course is important for students, mandatory to be taken before graduation and best taught by certified teachers. Principals are willing to qualify themselves and teachers with CPR certification and to provide funding to support and hire an outsider to teach CPR courses. Funding, teachers’ readiness for skills and knowledge proficiency, and curriculum burden are perceived as potential barriers to successful CPR teaching. One-way MANOVA analysis showed that gender (p = .257), age (p = .108), qualifications (p = .321), teaching experience (p = .194), and administrative experience (p = .193) did not have a significant effect on the combined dependent variables. Conclusion: Malaysian secondary school principals are aware of the importance of CPR and were willing to acquire the knowledge, skills, funds, equipment, and support in ensuring its implementation in the national curriculum.

Knowledge of stop the bleed techniques- a national survey

ObjectiveThis article presents the dataset titled “Do you know how to Stop The Bleed®? [1]” The dataset contains the survey responses of 200 US persons aged 16 years and above regarding their knowledge of hemorrhage control, based on the American College of Surgeons Stop The Bleed® (STB) course [2].ResultsTwo hundred adults in the United States completed this web-based survey, which consisted of a quiz to assess STB knowledge. Factors that were not statistically correlated to STB knowledge retention included age, sex, race and education level up to college level. On the other hand, resuscitation coursework (p = 0.004) and income (p = 0.049) were important determinants of Stop the Bleed® knowledge. In particular, participants with CPR certification (p = 0.020) and/or a postgraduate degree (p = 0.015) scored higher than their counterparts in this sample cohort.

Effectiveness of rescue Me CPR! smartphone app providing real-time guidance to untrained bystanders performing CPR

BackgroundOut-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a persistent global health challenge, owing, in part, to low rates of population CPR training. Smartphone applications have the potential to widely disseminate CPR basic training to a populace, but other studies have found multiple limitations in previously developed CPR guidance applications (CPR-GA). This study aims to use medical simulation to assess the relative CPR performance of novices using the ‘Rescue Me CPR!’ (RMC) app, a custom CPR-GA designed by this research team, to novices using ‘PG-CPR!’ (PGC), the most downloaded CPR-GA available in the USA, and to CPR certified medical personnel. MethodsIn a prospective randomized experimental trial of 60 individuals, subjects were either given the RMC app, the PGC app, or had active CPR certification. They were presented a cardio-pulmonary arrest scenario and were observed while performing CPR on a high-fidelity manikin. Data was collected through four cycles of CPR, during which time 24 pertinent performance metrics and CPR steps were timed and recorded. These metrics were assessed on their own and used to calculate average time to compressions, average chest compression fraction, and rate of high-quality CPR for each study group. ResultsCPR certified subjects called 911 in 100 % of simulation cases, started compressions 34 ± 10 s after first seeing the simulated patient, had an average chest compression fraction of 0.52, and performed high-quality CPR in 25 % of aggregate compression cycles. PGC app users called 911 in 70 % of simulation cases, started compressions 86 ± 17 s after first seeing the simulated patient, had an average chest compression fraction that could not be assessed due to inconsistent pauses during CPR, and performed high-quality CPR in 2.5 % of aggregate compression cycles. RMC app users called 911 in 100 % of simulation cases, started compressions 55 ± 6 s after first seeing the simulated patient, had an average chest compression fraction of 0.48, and performed high-quality CPR in 50 % of aggregate compression cycles. ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate that in all studied metrics, except time-to-first-compression, CPR provided by individuals using the RMC app is statistically equivalent or superior to CPR performed by a CPR certified individual and, in almost every metric, superior to CPR performed by users of the most downloaded android CPR guidance application, PG-CPR.

Reevaluating the Latency Period Between CPR Recertifications Among Non–Allied Healthcare Providers

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a lifesaving technique that is useful in many emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke, choking or drowning, in which someone’s breathing and heartbeat has stopped. Under the guidelines put forth by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Emergency Cardiovascular Care organization (ECC), the American Red Cross and American Heart Association, the two largest CPR certification organizations in the US, currently require that an individual’s CPR certification be renewed every two-years. However, an increasing amount of data has suggested that non-allied healthcare providers, such as school-based personnel, may require more regular training and certification to maintain CPR proficiency levels.

Abstract 233: Characterizing Impact of State Legislation on Cardiac Arrest Outcomes at K-12 Schools

Background: Cardiac arrests that occur in schools are infrequent, but high-profile events. Many states have enacted school specific legislation regarding automated external defibrillators (AEDs) placement, CPR training and emergency response plans (EAP). Objective/Aim: To characterize out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) that occur in K-12 schools; and, assess the relationship of U.S. state AED and CPR laws to outcomes of in school cardiac arrests. Methods: A retrospective review of in school OHCA was completed with data from the National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) 3.4 database, calendar years 2017-2018. Study subjects were non-traumatic OHCA occurring prior to EMS arrival on K-12 school grounds. Additionally, we conducted a search of Westlaw (Thomson Reuters) to identify current school specific AED, CPR and EAP laws for all 50 states, and created a structured taxonomy for these laws. Datasets were linked by an honest broker and the K-12 school CPR and AED provisions were compared to state legislation. Results: During the study period, there were 454 cases of in school cardiac arrest out of the 25.3 million incidents submitted to NEMSIS. We excluded 140, thus leaving 314 arrests for analysis. The average age was 46.7 (SD=24.1), most were over 18 years old (79.4%), and male 221 (70.4%). Bystander CPR (BCPR) was performed in 240 (76.4%) of cases, bystander AEDs were used in 160 (51.0%) cases, and 107 (34.1%) patients received an AED shock. State AED and CPR laws required student CPR training in 78%, school AED placement in 46%, teacher CPR certification in 14%, and school specific cardiac emergency response plans in 32%. We found no increase in BCPR or AED placement in states with school CPR, AED or EAP legislation. These findings persisted regardless of patient age, school type, or legislative mandate (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: Despite the perceived benefit of legislation supporting CPR and AED use in schools, we identified no improved provision of BCPR or AED use in schools in states with such legislation. Given the high proportions of BCPR and AED in states with and without statutes, we believe this data suggests that non-legislative initiatives, which exist in many states, may be an important driver of emergency cardiac care in K-12 schools.

Abstract 237: Curriculum Development of Pitt Bystander Response Education: Developing "Caring Leaders" Through Early Exposure to Cpr Fundamentals

Introduction: Fewer than 25% of US adults feel trained in bystander CPR (bCPR). Barriers include the lack of social acceptance of bCPR, poor understanding of Good Samaritan laws, and inadequate knowledge of the steps needed to help a patient suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Hypothesis: We developed a novel, streamlined curriculum for children ages 11-13 to introduce the principles of bCPR and frame it as a shared social responsibility, hoping to increase bystander response and motivate young citizens to seek future CPR certification. Methods: The curriculum development process employed the Assess Design Develop Implement Evaluate (ADDIE) method of the Instructional System Design (ISD) model. We used an iterative approach where the novel curriculum was developed and then presented to stakeholders for review, editing and revision. Stakeholders included experts in CPR training, educational theory and elementary/middle school education. Pre- and post- survey tools were designed to evaluate curriculum outcomes, using the same process. Upon completing the iterative review, the curriculum and surveys were prepared for a pilot implementation in a middle school setting. Results: Using the ISD approach, we consulted with 9 experts to design the CPR curriculum. Three curriculum goals were identified: awareness, social responsibility and training. The novel curriculum will meet these goals through a single 50 minute in-class session of didactic, technique demonstration of compression-only CPR, and hands-on practice with manikins. Due to the present global pandemic, the curriculum has not yet been implemented as planned. Current efforts are being made to determine the feasibility of potential future implementation of the program and/or virtual options due to need for social distancing. Conclusions: An iterative process can be used to bring together multiple stakeholders to design a novel, age appropriate CPR training curriculum. Another round of stakeholder review of the curriculum is planned post piloting prior to wider dissemination.

The Effects of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training on Flow‐Mediated Dilation in Overweight, Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUNDObesity is a complex inflammatory disease characterized by an accumulation of abdominal visceral fat that increases cardiovascular risk factors. Chronic exposure to inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction where response to sheer stress is inadequate to promote smooth muscle relaxation and thus healthy arterial dilation. When combined with a decline in estrogen, the obese, postmenopausal population is at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than younger women with a lower body mass index. Exercise training can improve endothelial function regardless of aging. Acute exercise temporarily increases nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in response to sheer stress to prevent further vascular damage. Chronic exposure to sheer stress through exercise leads to adaptations in NO bioavailability and overall endothelial function. Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) is a mechanical measure of endothelial function. FMD is expressed as a percent change from baseline to maximal dilation after reactive hyperemia in brachial artery diameter in response to blood flow occlusion. Minimal work has been done on the influence of aerobic and resistance training on FMD in obese, postmenopausal women.PURPOSETo determine the influence of acute and chronic resistance and aerobic exercise on FMD in obese, postmenopausal women.METHODSOverweight to obese (BMI 33.01 ± 4.60 kg·m2), postmenopausal women (64.3 ± 5.3 yr) were randomized into either an exercise (EX, n = 20) or education control (ED, n = 18) group for a 12‐week intervention where EX underwent moderate intensity aerobic and resistance exercise training (treadmill walking 70–80% VO2max; 8 whole‐body resistance exercises, 2 sets @ 8–12RM, respectively) 3 days per week and ED attended education sessions (talks on health, CPR certification, etc.) twice per week. Before (BT) and after (AT) the 12‐week intervention, both groups underwent an experimental trial day where FMD was performed before exercise (PRE) and two hours after exercise completion (2HR) for EX and at the same time points for resting ED. FMD was analyzed blinded using Brachial Analyzer for Research (Medical Imaging Applications, LLC; Coralville, IA).RESULTSAcute exercise increased % FMD at 2HR where EX was greater than ED (EX: PRE 9.72 ± 0.48, 2HR 11.2 ± 0.51%; ED: PRE 9.46 ± 0.51, 2HR: 8.83 ± 0.53%; p = 0.04). There was no significant effect of exercise training in EX (BT PRE 9.54 ± 3.19, 2HR 11.33 ± 3.46; AT PRE 9.89 ± 2.82, 2HR 11.08 ± 3.08%) or education sessions in ED (BT PRE 9.88 ± 3.01, 2HR 9.53 ± 2.96; AT PRE 9.04 ± 3.56, 2HR 8.14 ± 3.15%; p = 0.33).CONCLUSIONAcute exercise increased FMD 2 hours after exercise suggesting that there is a residual effect of exercise on FMD up to at least 2 hours in our population. Resting FMD did not increase in response to a 12‐week aerobic and resistance exercise training program. The duration of the program may not have been adequate to observe significant changes in endothelial function. In addition, the intensity of the exercise may not have been high enough to promote improvements in endothelial function.Support or Funding InformationTCU Invests in Scholarship Grant, TCU Research and Creative Activities GrantThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training Reduces Acute Exercise‐Induced Platelet‐Monocyte Complex Formation in Overweight, Postmenopausal Women

Inactivity‐related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) involve a complex interplay among endothelial cells, leukocytes and activated platelets in response to vascular injury. Activated platelets are involved in atherogenesis and can promote an inflammatory phenotype of both the vasculature and leukocytes, particularly monocytes. Platelet‐monocyte complexes (PMCs) are markers of in vivo platelet activation and may be early indicators of subclinical inflammation.PURPOSETo examine the influence of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on platelet activation, as measured by PMCs, and to characterize the acute exercise‐induced response of PMCs in a population at risk for CVD.METHODSThirty‐eight overweight‐obese (BMI: 32.8 ± 4.6 kg×m−2, age: 64 ± 5.1 years) post‐menopausal women were randomly assigned to either an exercise (EX, n=20) or education control (ED, n=18) group. EX performed 2 sets of 8 resistance exercises and 25 minutes of treadmill walking three times a week for 12 weeks while ED attended education classes (CPR certification, invited authors, health‐related talks) twice weekly for the same duration. Before (BT) and after (AT) the intervention, EX performed a single exercise bout during which blood was obtained pre‐exercise, immediately post‐exercise, 1‐hour and 2 hours post‐exercise. Blood was obtained at the same time points in resting ED. PMCs were identified via flow cytometry and analyzed in each monocyte phenotype. Monocyte phenotypes were defined as: Mon1 (CD14++CD16−), Mon2 (CD14++CD16+), and Mon3 (CD14loCD16++). All events positive for both CD14 and CD42a (marker for platelets) were considered PMCs.RESULTSExercise training resulted in a significant increase in VO2max (BT: 21.1 ± 0.85, AT: 23.7 ± 0.90 ml×kg−1×min−1, p < 0.001) and leg press strength (BT: 70 ± 4.1, AT: 99 ± 5.9 kg, p < 0.001), while no changes in fitness were observed in ED. Exercise training (EX: BT = 27.6 ± 2.7, AT = 23.7 ± 2.9 %) prevented the observed increase in percent PMC in ED (ED: BT = 20.9 ± 2.9, AT = 26.4 ± 3.2 %, p = 0.029). We observed a group x training interaction where exercise training reduced mean PMC percentage across all time points (EX: BT = 27.6 ± 2.4, AT = 22.1 ± 2.8 %, p = 0.034) while ED did not change (ED: BT = 20.2 ± 2.5, AT = 23.6 ± 2.9 %). PMCs formed with Mon1 monocytes followed a similar response (p = 0.031), but no significant changes were observed with PMCs formed in Mon2 or Mon3. A single exercise bout did not influence PMCs in any phenotype.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that 12 weeks of combined exercise training reduces PMC formation in obese, postmenopausal women; however, a single bout of exercise did not significantly change percent PMC. The increase in PMCs in ED after the intervention is difficult to explain, but may be related to the time of year of the BT and AT experimental trials. These data may provide evidence that exercise training reduces CVD risk via reductions in platelet activation.Support or Funding InformationTCU Invests in Scholarship Grant; TCU Research and Creative Activities FundThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Evaluating Barriers to Bystander CPR among Laypersons before and after Compression-only CPR Training

Objective: Bystander CPR is an essential part of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival. EMS and public safety jurisdictions have embraced initiatives to teach compression-only CPR to laypersons in order to increase rates of bystander CPR. We examined barriers to bystander CPR amongst laypersons participating in community compression-only CPR training and the ability of the training to alleviate these barriers. The barriers analyzed include fear of litigation, risk of disease transmission, fear of hurting someone as a result of doing CPR when unnecessary, and fear of hurting someone as a result of doing CPR incorrectly. Methods: Laypersons attending community compression-only CPR training were administered surveys before and after community CPR training. Data were analyzed via standard statistical analyses. Results: A total of 238 surveys were collected and analyzed between September 2015 and January 2016. The most common reported motivation for attending CPR training was “to be prepared/just in case” followed by “infant or child at home.” Respondents reported that they were significantly more likely to perform CPR on a family member than a stranger in both pre-and post-training responses. Nevertheless, reported self-confidence in and likelihood of doing CPR on both family and strangers increased from pre-training to post-training. There was a statistically significant decrease in reported likelihood of all four barriers to prevent respondents from performing bystander CPR when pre-training responses were compared to post-training responses. Previous CPR training and history of having witnessed a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) were both associated with decreased barriers to CPR, but previous training had no effect on reported likelihood of or confidence in performing CPR. Conclusion: The training initiative studied significantly reduced the reported likelihood of all barriers studied to prevent respondents from performing bystander CPR and also increased the reported confidence in doing CPR and likelihood of doing CPR on both strangers and family. However, it did not alleviate the pre-training discrepancy between likelihood of performing CPR on strangers versus family. Previous CPR training or certification had no impact on likelihood of or confidence in performing CPR.

Mentoring in Sports for the Development of the Successful High School Coach

This study involves the surveying of current high school coaches in the state of North Dakota who are certified by the National Federation of High Schools through the completion of the required courses, including “The Fundamentals of Coaching”, “Concussion Diagnosis and Prevention”, as well as CPR, First Aid and AED certification in a current, active status. The participant coaches (n=113), were sent a survey through email using the Qualtrics Survey Program. This survey contained documentation of demographic information, coaching history, opinions regarding issues in coaching and how they are/can be addressed. This survey also discussed influences in the coaches life and how they have shaped their coaching careers. Coaching education and mentoring suggestions are also offered by the subjects as ways to improve the coaching job field as well as struggles they see mentoring bringing if a program were to be introduced.Results indicated that the majority of coaches would be open to mentoring programs in their school. This includes communication sessions, coaching education, sport specific coaching development, and time for personal interaction with other coaches aimed at creating relationships and discussing professional successes, coaching issues, and questions they have. Results also show a trend happening. There is a shortage of coaches with 11-20 years of experience and a large number of head coaches that have less than five years of experience. This trend is hinting to coaches leaving the profession after ten years, with not a lot of experienced people left to take over. Young coaches lead to a large learning curve, immaturity with dealing with certain situations, and lack the experience of actually teaching the game itself.

Abstract 19542: A North American Survey of Public Opinion on the Acceptability of Crowdsourcing Basic Life Support for Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: Performance of bystander CPR and early defibrillation following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been shown to increase the odds of survival to hospital discharge more than 3-fold. The PulsePoint Respond™ Application (App) is a novel system that can be implemented by EMS to crowdsource basic life support for victims of OHCA. The system sends cardiac arrest notifications to a user’s mobile device which includes the location of the emergency and nearby public access defibrillators to facilitate bystander CPR and AED use while EMS personnel are en route. We conducted a North American survey to evaluate public perceptions of such an application, including acceptability and willingness to respond to alerts. Methods: The web-based survey was conducted in Canada and the USA by an established external polling vendor, Ipsos Reid. Sampling was designed to ensure broad representation of gender, age, geography, and spoken language following recent census statistics. Respondents were presented with a short concept description of cardiac arrest and the Pulsepoint app in text format followed by 6 closed-ended and 4 open-ended questions. Results: A random sample of 2,415 total surveys were collected (1106 from Canada and 1309 from the US). 70% of Canadian respondents but only 47% of US respondents had been trained in CPR at some point. On average, 79.5% of respondents agreed that Pulsepoint is something they would like to see in their community and 59.5% said they would download the App. 80% of Canadians and 77% of Americans were comfortable with receiving help in a public setting (street, office, etc) and 72 and 68% respectively, indicated they would be comfortable with receiving help in a private setting (home). Less than 40% of respondents identified concerns; as expected those identified included training concerns and trust issues. An average of 89% of the sample from both countries felt it was important that responders have up-to-date CPR certification. Conclusions: Overall, the North American public find the concept of the Pulsepoint application and crowdsourcing basic life support for OHCA acceptable and would be willing to respond. This is encouraging insight to support the use of social media to increasing bystander CPR rates in North America.

The Effect of Compressor-administered Defibrillation on Peri-shock Pauses in a Simulated Cardiac Arrest Scenario

IntroductionCoordination of the tasks of performing chest compressions and defibrillation can lead to communication challenges that may prolong time spent off the chest. The purpose of this study was to determine whether defibrillation provided by the provider performing chest compressions led to a decrease in peri-shock pauses as compared to defibrillation administered by a second provider, in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled study measuring pauses in chest compressions for defibrillation in a simulated cardiac arrest model. We approached hospital providers with current CPR certification for participation between July, 2011 and October, 2011. Volunteers were randomized to control (facilitator-administered defibrillation) or experimental (compressor-administered defibrillation) groups. All participants completed one minute of chest compressions on a mannequin in a shockable rhythm prior to administration of defibrillation. We measured and compared pauses for defibrillation in both groups.ResultsOut of 200 total participants, we analyzed data from 197 defibrillations. Compressor-initiated defibrillation resulted in a significantly lower pre-shock hands-off time (0.57 s; 95% CI: 0.47–0.67) compared to facilitator-initiated defibrillation (1.49 s; 95% CI: 1.35–1.64). Furthermore, compressor-initiated defibrillation resulted in a significantly lower peri-shock hands-off time (2.77 s; 95% CI: 2.58–2.95) compared to facilitator-initiated defibrillation (4.25 s; 95% CI: 4.08–4.43).ConclusionAssigning the responsibility for shock delivery to the provider performing compressions encourages continuous compressions throughout the charging period and decreases total time spent off the chest. However, as this was a simulation-based study, clinical implementation is necessary to further evaluate these potential benefits.

Gaining momentum: Pharmacists recognized for health care contributions

Gaining momentum: Pharmacists recognized for health care contributions

CPR certification

This Workshop is designed to provide a CPR update with a Sports Medicine flavour. It provides an ideal opportunity for Sports Medicine Clinicians to up skill in a credentialed emergency resuscitation hands on session. It is primarily provided for Doctors, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists or any other health professionals who require an annual update for their daily work and to fulfil the requirements for their professional education or registration. The workshop will fulfil the updated 2011 guidelines of the Australian Resuscitation Council and all participants will receive a Statement of Attainment as Nationally Recognised Training. This Workshop is designed to provide a CPR update with a Sports Medicine flavour. It provides an ideal opportunity for Sports Medicine Clinicians to up skill in a credentialed emergency resuscitation hands on session. It is primarily provided for Doctors, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists or any other health professionals who require an annual update for their daily work and to fulfil the requirements for their professional education or registration. The workshop will fulfil the updated 2011 guidelines of the Australian Resuscitation Council and all participants will receive a Statement of Attainment as Nationally Recognised Training.

CPR certification

CPR certification

CPR certification

CPR certification

Factors Affecting Risk Management of Indoor Campus Recreation Facilities

Factors affecting risk management of indoor campus recreation facilities were studied. Campus recreation directors of 4-year colleges/universities in North America who held memberships in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) responded to a paper survey consisting of 32 dichotomous yes/no and close-ended multiple-choice questions. Questions addressed staff certification requirements, use of waivers, number of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the facility, communication and security devices, health screening of participants, and in-person supervision of the facility. Results showed that facilities are open to participants extensively throughout the 7-day week, thus requiring directors to ensure their risk management procedures are up to date—most notably staff members' CPR and first aid certification, as well as AED training.

Reliability in Testing: Clinical and Research Applications

Reliability of an instrument is described as its accuracy and dependability. Reliability is thought of in terms of the consistency, stability, and/or equivalence of measurements (Nieswiadomy, 1998, p. 199; Young, Taylor, & McLaughlin-Renpenning, 2001, p. 30). Reliability should be thought of in terms of the current study—the current sample at the time it is being studied. It is not a characteristic that necessarily transcends the specific circumstance of data collection. Although the reliability of an instrument in a prior study is important to know, ideally it should be assessed in each study (Nieswiadomy, 1998, p. 199). The concept of reliability may be clearer in a clinical context than in a research context. Clinically, for example, we need to know that the various tests to determine one’s HIV status and the progression of HIV disease do not provide results in a random fashion. Rather, they need to provide consistent meaning for everyone who is tested because the test results imply behavioral choices and treatment options. Clients and staff make major decisions based on test results. Nurses understand the concept of false negative and false positive. In the case of HIV testing, a false positive occurs when a person gets an HIVpositive test result but is not HIV infected. Conversely, a false-negative result occurs when a person gets an HIV-negative test result but is HIV-positive. We understand as clinicians that the lowest possible occurrence of fluke test results is essential if test results are to be meaningful or useful. Likewise, in a research context, the data must be stable and consistent so that we can make interpretations that are useful for understanding the phenomenon under investigation or for testing the outcomes of interventions. Equipment used in diagnostic assessment may need frequent calibration for accurate results, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and federal standards require that periodically all equipment be inspected and maintained by the biomedical engineering staff. On-paper instruments that are administered and interpreted by people provide reliable results only when all users are trained and certified to collect and interpret the data consistently. For example, the annual performance evaluation may or may not be applied and interpreted equitably throughout an institution by all raters, and for staff, salary increments or promotions may be at stake. Froman (1999) described a process of ensuring that a clinical ladder review system is objective, replicable, and fair—in other words, that it is consistently applied throughout a health care system. As another example, when people are subjected to performance testing, as in the case of CPR certification, it is crucial that all raters apply the criteria in the same way for certification to have meaning, or for it to be true that certified people “know” CPR.

Factors associated with CPR certification within an elderly community

Objective: To determine the frequency of CPR certification amongst residents living within a predominantly elderly community and examine the perceived barriers to learning basic CPR and factors associated with intent to become certified. Methods: A household survey was sent with a community newsletter to each home of a non-gated elderly community that requires one member of each household to be at least 55 years of age. The community consists of 2488 homes (approximately 4000 residents). Thirteen Yes/No questions were asked in a skip-pattern based upon the question: “Are you CPR certified?” Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression. Results: 947 participants with a mean age of 69 completed and returned the survey. Forty-eight percent of the participants had received prior training in CPR. Eighty-four percent were not currently certified in CPR, and top reasons cited were: ‘don't know why’ (36%), ‘lack of interest’ (20%), ‘concerned about health risks’ (17%). Forty-six percent of those not certified desired certification. Increasing age was inversely associated with CPR certification status and the desire to be certified. Conclusion: Almost half of the residents in this predominantly elderly community had received prior training in CPR, although most were not currently certified and cite significant specific and non-specific reasons and obstacles. Improved survival requires targeted interventions to achieve higher proportions of CPR-competent individuals in such high-risk communities.