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. 2017 Feb:181:172-176.e3.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.10.037. Epub 2016 Nov 14.

Implementing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Programs in High Schools: Iowa's Experience

Derek B Hoyme  1 , Dianne L Atkins  2
Affiliations

Implementing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Programs in High Schools: Iowa's Experience

Derek B Hoyme et al. J Pediatr. 2017 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To understand perceived barriers to providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education, implementation processes, and practices in high schools.

Study design: Iowa has required CPR as a graduation requirement since 2011 as an unfunded mandate. A cross-sectional study was performed through multiple choice surveys sent to Iowa high schools to collect data about school demographics, details of CPR programs, cost, logistics, and barriers to implementation, as well as automated external defibrillator training and availability.

Results: Eighty-four schools responded (26%), with the most frequently reported school size of 100-500 students and faculty size of 25-50. When the law took effect, 51% of schools had training programs already in place; at the time of the study, 96% had successfully implemented CPR training. Perceived barriers to implementation were staffing, time commitment, equipment availability, and cost. The average estimated startup cost was <$1000 US, and the yearly maintenance cost was <$500 with funds typically allocated from existing school resources. The facilitator was a school official or volunteer for 81% of schools. Average estimated training time commitment per student was <2 hours. Automated external defibrillators are available in 98% of schools, and 61% include automated external defibrillator training in their curriculum.

Conclusions: Despite perceived barriers, school CPR training programs can be implemented with reasonable resource and time allocations.

Keywords: cardiopulmonary arrest; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; cost effectiveness; education; sudden cardiac death.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
University of Iowa Children's Hospital high school CPR training program survey.
Figure 1
Figure 1
University of Iowa Children's Hospital high school CPR training program survey.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Breakdown of survey responses. Incomplete surveys were not included in reported data.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Map of responding Iowa high schools as identified by IP address. Stars indicate location of responding schools.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Perceived barriers to implementation of CPR training. Respondents were asked to rank perceived barriers from 1 (most significant) to 3 (least significant).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Responses to survey questions. A, Setting of high school CPR training. B, Sources of funding for high school CPR training programs. C, Suppliers of CPR training equipment. D: Sources of funding for purchase of AEDs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • CPR training in schools.
    Daniels SR. Daniels SR. J Pediatr. 2017 Feb;181:1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.12.008. J Pediatr. 2017. PMID: 28129866 No abstract available.
  • Understanding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
    Masters BJ, Mandeir J, O'Shaughnessy J, Sundar S. Masters BJ, et al. J Pediatr. 2017 Nov;190:291-292. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.07.031. J Pediatr. 2017. PMID: 29144260 No abstract available.
  • Reply.
    Hoyme DB, Atkins DL. Hoyme DB, et al. J Pediatr. 2017 Nov;190:292. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.07.032. J Pediatr. 2017. PMID: 29144262 No abstract available.

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