PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate whether a trained layperson could perform high quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) after conventional training and a self-learning program using the "CPR Anytime" kit. METHODS: Traditional CPR training for a lay rescuer was conducted two weeks before a CPR contest for high school students. "CPR Anytime" training kits were distributed to the students for their practical training at home or in school. The students were tested in pairs for two-person CPR with rescuer breaths and an automated external defibrillator. The quantitative and qualitative data regarding the quality of CPR, including chest compression and rescuer breaths, were collected using a standardized checklist and a skill reporter. RESULTS: A total of 161 teams with 322 students, including 116 males and 206 females, participated in the CPR contest in pairs. The mean depth and rate for the chest compression were 49.0+/-8.2 mm and 110.2+/-10.2 /min, respectively. The mean tidal volume for the rescue breaths was 604.8+/-208.7 ml. The percentage of participants satisfying the correct chest compression rate of > or =100/min and depth of > or =50 mm was 87.3% and 52.2%, respectively. Only 25.2% of the participants satisfied an optimal tidal volume (between 500 ml and 600 ml). Shallow compression (57.5%) and under-ventilation (44.4%) were the major causes of incorrect compression and ventilation, respectively. CONCLUSION: The quality of CPR with rescuer breaths in the trained lay rescuer was not adequate, especially for mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Therefore, the development of teaching methods to improve rescue breathing or omit mouth-to-mouth ventilation in training should be considered.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Checklist ; Defibrillators ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Respiration ; Teaching ; Thorax ; Tidal Volume ; Ventilation