Study objective: To investigate the ability of laypeople to apply basic CPR techniques after recent training.
Design: Cross-sectional assessment of practical CPR skills.
Type of participants: 151 laypeople who were trained twice in the preceding 20 to 24 months.
Measurements and main results: Practical skills were tested using six primary recorded variables that describe the quality of CPR techniques in a training situation. A total score on the skills of each participant was computed on the basis of a predefined scoring system. Thirty-three percent of the participants were able to perform adequate CPR. The compression:relaxation ratio, the breathing volume, and the breathing interval were points of concern.
Conclusion: Practical skills in basic CPR after a 12-month training interval, though better in this study than in many previous studies, are insufficient in the majority of laypeople. The results of this study could be used to design a better tailored (re)instruction program, with an emphasis on regular, frequent refresher courses.