Original research
Evaluation of a newly developed media-supported 4-step approach for basic life support training
1 Department of Anaesthesiology, Aachen, Germany
2 Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Intermediate Care, Aachen, Germany
3 Department of Medical Statistics, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH University, Pauwelsstr. 30, Aachen, Germany
4 Department of Anaesthesiology, Section Emergency Medical Care, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 30, D–52074, Aachen, Germany
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 2012, 20:37 doi:10.1186/1757-7241-20-37
Published: 30 May 2012Abstract
Objective
The quality of external chest compressions (ECC) is of primary importance within basic life support (BLS). Recent guidelines delineate the so-called 4“-step approach” for teaching practical skills within resuscitation training guided by a certified instructor. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a “media-supported 4-step approach” for BLS training leads to equal practical performance compared to the standard 4-step approach.
Materials and methods
After baseline testing, 220 laypersons were either trained using the widely accepted method for resuscitation training (4-step approach) or using a newly created “media-supported 4-step approach”, both of equal duration. In this approach, steps 1 and 2 were ensured via a standardised self-produced podcast, which included all of the information regarding the BLS algorithm and resuscitation skills. Participants were tested on manikins in the same mock cardiac arrest single-rescuer scenario prior to intervention, after one week and after six months with respect to ECC-performance, and participants were surveyed about the approach.
Results
Participants (age 23 ± 11, 69% female) reached comparable practical ECC performances in both groups, with no statistical difference. Even after six months, there was no difference detected in the quality of the initial assessment algorithm or delay concerning initiation of CPR. Overall, at least 99% of the intervention group (n = 99; mean 1.5 ± 0.8; 6-point Likert scale: 1 = completely agree, 6 = completely disagree) agreed that the video provided an adequate introduction to BLS skills.
Conclusions
The “media-supported 4-step approach” leads to comparable practical ECC-performance compared to standard teaching, even with respect to retention of skills. Therefore, this approach could be useful in special educational settings where, for example, instructors’ resources are sparse or large-group sessions have to be prepared.
