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Lifesaving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Pilot Evaluation of a Targeted Educational Intervention to Improve Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Provision in Volunteer Surf Lifesavers.

David Reid, Katie M Dixon, Leesa Equid, Chris Jacobson, Jasmin C Lawes, Tracey Hare-Boyd, Andrew Chubb, Michelle Murphy, Kane Treloar, Pamela Simon, Ned Douglas

The Journal of emergency medicine · 2025-05-14 · Quasi-experimental

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Approximately 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in Australia each year, and only 13% of patients survive their event and return home. Survival variability from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests can be explained by a range of factors. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education quality-improvement programs focusing on identified elements of basic life support provision in concert with resuscitation system interventions have been associated with significant improvements in survival after cardiac arrest. Surf Life Saving Australia members respond to approximately 65 cardiac arrests per year in the community while on duty and have successfully resuscitated many beachgoers over the years. In addition to this, members frequently respond to cardiac arrest events in community settings as first responders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to measure CPR improvements in Australian surf lifesavers after a targeted education intervention. METHODS: Recruiting Australian surf lifesavers, we conducted a multicenter before-and-after educational intervention, consisting of theory and practical CPR instruction with quantitative measurement, cohort study of those who had previously been trained in CPR. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in quality of CPR by laypersons were observed as measured by the chest compression fraction, depth, and release, as well as a reduction in time off the chest, improved ventilation, and a reduction in the longest pause during 2 min of CPR. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to evaluate the impact of a targeted CPR quality-improvement educational initiative on a sample of volunteer CPR providers from a large national first responder organization. The results showed that focused education using evidence-based interventions supports substantial improvement in most CPR metrics measured. A targeted education intervention has the potential to improve laypersons CPR performance. The results should prompt community CPR training providers to evaluate the quality of CPR being provided by the staff members they train and consider implementing a quality-improvement program if results are below the desired thresholds.

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Bystanders · Mass gatherings & events

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