Public access resuscitation program including defibrillator training for laypersons:: A randomized trial to evaluate the impact of training course duration

Background: Time to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a main determinant of survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Only widespread implementation of training courses for laypersons can decrease response time. Methods and results: In this prospective randomized trial, we evaluated how laypersons retained CPR skills and skills in using the automated external defibrillator (AED). A total of 1095 volunteers were randomly assigned to receive CPR/AED-training courses of 2 h (375 persons), 4 h (378 persons) or 7 h (342 persons) duration. Courses were held in accordance with the guidelines for CPR. All trainees were tested immediately after the initial class in a standardized test scenario using an AED and a manikin. Either at 6 or at 12 months, retests were given to 164 and 206 volunteers, respectively. In 479 volunteers, retesting was completed at both 6- and 12-month intervals. At the immediate tests, the 7-h training group showed a slightly higher rate of correct responses (7 h: 96%, 4 h: 94%, 2 h: 92%) (p < 0.001). Skill retention decreased significantly in the three groups and was lowest after 12 months if no 6-month retests were done. In trainees who did undergo retesting at 6 months, skills did not deteriorate at 12 months. There were no significant differences between the three groups (overall correct responses: 2 h: 72%, 4 h: 73%, 7 h: 74%) (ns). Conclusions: A 2-h class is sufficient to acquire and retain CPR and AED skills for an extended time period provided that a brief re-evaluation is performed after 6 months. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.