[At what age can children perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation? - Effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills among primary school children]

Orv Hetil. 2017 Jan;158(4):147-152. doi: 10.1556/650.2017.30631.
[Article in Hungarian]

Abstract

Introduction: In cardiac arrest life can be saved by bystanders.

Aim: Our aim was to determine at what age can schoolchildren perform correct cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Method: 164 schoolchildren (age 7-14) were involved in the study. A basic life support training consisted of 45 minutes education in small groups (8-10 children). They were tested during a 2-minute-long continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenario using the "AMBU CPR Software".

Results: Average depth of chest compression was 44.07 ± 12.6 mm. 43.9% of participants were able to do effective chest compressions. Average ventilation volume was 0.17 ± 0.31 liter. 12.8% of participants were able to ventilate effectively the patient. It was significant correlation between the chest compression depth (p<0.001) and ventilation (p<0.001) and the children's age, weight, height and BMI.

Conclusions: Primary school children are able to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The ability to do effective chest compressions and ventilation depended on the children's physical capability. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(4), 147-152.

Keywords: children; education; gyermekek; oktatás; resuscitation; simulation; szimuláció; újraélesztés.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome / therapy
  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Female
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Male
  • Physical Exertion / physiology*
  • Resuscitation / education*
  • School Health Services*
  • Schools