136-51: AHA Guidelines update for CPR & ECC & defibrillation education for high school students: A randomized controlled study comparing peer-led training versus conventional training approach

Abstract

Introduction: Survival rate after cardiac arrest strongly depends on the delay occurring from the onset of basic life support and defibrillation (BLSD). Providing more BLSD trained bystanders could improve survival on the territory. The present study was a randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a peer to peer BLSD teaching approach compared to the conventional professional-led teaching approach, in high school students. Methods: In years 2010-2015, 520 high school 15-18 years old italian students were randomly assigned to a peer-led BLSD training approach or to a professional-led BLSD training approach. At the end of the course, a final exam by 2 blinded instructors was held. Results: Chest compressions' percentage with adequate depth was 53.5 + 31.8 % in the peerled group and 55.4 + 33.6 % (mean + SD) in the professional-led group (p = ns). The proportion of participants who could ensure an adequate mean compression rate was 74 % in the peer-led group, but only 36 % in the professional-led group (p = 0.011). The percentage of correct use of AED was 53.5 + 31.8 % in the peer-led group and 52.4 + 35.6 % in the professional-led group (p = ns). On the 20-point questionnaire administered after training, the peer-led group scored an average of 17.2 + 2.3 whereas the professional-led group scored 19.8 + 2.0 (p = ns). Conclusions: Peer-led BLSD training for high school students is feasible and could be as effective as a professional-led approach. Moreover, in our opinion and experience, peer-led BLSD training results with a better feedback and trainee attitude when compared to conventional trainiing. It is still unclear if the formation of peer instructors could be done by peer education, and if final exams should be only performed by professional instructors.