A scoping review was conducted to identify, map, and analyze international evidence from studies investigating the prevalence of community cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. We searched major bibliographic databases and grey literature for original studies evaluating the prevalence of CPR training in the general population. Studies published from January 2000 to October 2020 were included without language or publication type restrictions. Seventy-three eligible papers reported a total of 61 population-based surveys conducted in 29 countries. More than three-fourths of the surveys were conducted in countries with high-income economies, and none in low-income countries. Over half of the surveys were at a subnational level. Globally, the proportion of laypeople trained in CPR varied greatly (median, 40%). For high-income countries, the median percentage was twice as high as that of upper middle-income countries (50% vs. 23%). The studies used heterogeneous survey methods and reporting patterns. Key methodological aspects were frequently not described. In summary, few studies have assessed CPR training prevalence among the general public. The rates of resuscitation training for the vast majority of countries remain unknown. High heterogeneity of studies precludes a reliable interpretation of the research. International Utstein-style consensus guidelines are needed to inform future research and reporting of public resuscitation training worldwide.

BACKGROUND: The number of lay people willing to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in real life is increased by effective education in basic life support (BLS). However, little is known about access of general public to BLS training across the globe. This study aimed to investigate availability and key features of BLS courses proposed for lay people in India, Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: A Google search was done in December 2018, using English keywords relevant for community resuscitation training. Ongoing courses addressing BLS and suitable for any adult layperson were included in the analysis. On-site training courses were limited to those provided within the country’s territory. RESULTS: A total of 53, 29 and 208 eligible courses were found for India, Nigeria and the UK, respectively. In the UK, the number of courses per 10 million population (31.5) is 79 and 21 times higher than that in India (0.4) and Nigeria (1.5). Course geography is limited to 28% states and one union territory in India, 30% states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. In the UK, the training is offered in all constituent countries, with the highest prevalence in England. Courses are predominantly classroom-based, highly variable in duration, group size and instructors’ qualifi cations. For India and Nigeria, mean cost of participation is exceeding the monthly minimum wage. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the UK, the availability and accessibility of BLS courses are critically limited in India and Nigeria, necessitating immediate interventions to optimize community CPR training and improve bystander CPR rates.

BACKGROUND:To assess the effectiveness of the telephone chest-compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guided by a pre-recorded instructional audio when compared with dispatcher-assisted resuscitation. METHODS:It was a prospective, blind, randomised controlled study involving 109 medical students without previous CPR training. In a standardized mannequin scenario, after the step of dispatcher-assisted cardiac arrest recognition, the participants performed compression-only resuscitation guided over the telephone by either:(1) the pre-recorded instructional audio (n=57); or (2) verbal dispatcher assistance (n=52). The simulation video records were reviewed to assess the CPR performance using a 13-item checklist. The interval from call reception to the first compression, total number and rate of compressions, total number and duration of pauses after the first compression were also recorded. RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the recording-assisted and dispatcher-assisted groups based on the overall performance score (5.6±2.2 vs. 5.1±1.9, P>0.05) or individual criteria of the CPR performance checklist. The recording-assisted group demonstrated significantly shorter time interval from call receipt to the first compression (86.0±14.3 vs. 91.2±14.2 s, P<0.05), higher compression rate (94.9±26.4 vs. 89.1±32.8 min-1) and number of compressions provided (170.2±48.0 vs. 156.2±60.7). CONCLUSION:When provided by untrained persons in the simulated settings, the compression-only resuscitation guided by the pre-recorded instructional audio is no less efficient than dispatcher-assisted CPR. Future studies are warranted to further assess feasibility of using instructional audio aid as a potential alternative to dispatcher assistance.