Teaching and credentialing the physically challenged: state of the art. A review of change in the clinical and scientific data since 1980

Abstract

More than 30 million Americans are disabled. Wide experience has shown that these conditions do not prevent these individuals from becoming proficient in the knowledge and skills of CPR. Instructional materials and methods can be modified to help this special population learn CPR despite handicaps. The American Heart Association has supported these special efforts since 1978, but no comprehensive resource exists for CPR instructors interested in helping the "physically challenged" individual learn CPR. This article addresses general and specific suggestions for teaching selected handicapped populations. They are: hearing impaired, visually impaired, other physical impairment such as obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, angina, and other medical conditions that may limit one's ability to learn the psychomotor skill of CPR.