Global CPR Initiative

• In progress

Authors

Lakkireddy, Dhanunjaya; Garg, Jalaj; Bawa, Danish; Lakkireddy, Avani; Ahmed, Adnan; Syed, Atif; Korlakunta, Sneha; Nalamachu, Megan; Atkins, Donita; Kabra, Rajesh; Bommana, Sudha; Darden, Douglas; Pothineni, Naga Venkata; Gopinathannair, Rakesh

Abstract

Background: Bystander Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use can significantly improve the chances of survival for those who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). State laws mandate compulsory training in CPR and AED use for graduation. The impact of such laws on high school students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice is poorly understood.

Methods: In a web-based survey, 2,395 students participated and answered questions related to basic demographics, prior attitudes, Knowledge, and skills in CPR and AED use, and willingness to learn (NCT04493970).

Results: Mean age was 16.80.7 years, with 55% girls highest from California and Texas. Most were 12th-grade students (69%) and from urban communities (65%). 86% received training, with only 14% knowing the right thing to do when encountering someone in cardiac arrest. 94% of participants realized the importance of learning CPR and thought that more training was needed at every level of education. 14% reported never going through CPR training despite the mandate.

Conclusions: CPR training mandates for HSS across the US need a major overhaul, with resources allocated for more frequent and repeated learning to improve the effectiveness of such efforts. This could be an important step towards improving societal level engagement to improve access early to CPR not only in the US but across the globe.

Citation

Lakkireddy, D., Garg, J., Bawa, D., Lakkireddy, A., Ahmed, A., Syed, A., Korlakunta, S., Nalamachu, M., Atkins, D., Kabra, R., Bommana, S., Darden, D., Pothineni, NV., & Gopinathannair, R. Is the CPR education mandate in high school really working? Insights from High School CPR Study. In progress.