Save a Life: Implementation and Evaluation of a Community-Focused CPR Education Program in Houston, Texas

Over 350 000 people in the United States experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) annually—and almost 90% die as a result. However, survival varies widely between counties, ranging from 3.4% to 22.0%—a disparity that the American Heart Association (AHA) largely attributes to variation in rates of bystander CPR. Studies show that regions with low rates of bystander CPR have low rates of CPR training, making CPR training initiatives a high-priority intervention to reduce OHCA mortality. In Houston, Texas, researchers have identified census tracts with higher OCHA incidence and lower rates of bystander CPR. We developed a free, annual Hands-Only CPR bilingual health education program central to these high-risk neighborhoods. In 5 years, this collaborative effort trained over 2700 individuals. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, we conducted a process evaluation to assess fidelity, dose delivered, and dose received. We also conducted an outcome evaluation using the Kirkpatrick Model for Training Evaluation to assess participants’ reactions and learning. Overall, the program yielded positive outcomes. Of the 261 respondents (from 314 attendees), 63% were first-time learners. The majority (87%) were satisfied with the event and 85% felt that information was presented clearly and concisely. Pre- and post-knowledge assessments showed a 51% increase in the proportion of respondents who could correctly identify the steps for Hands-Only CPR. This program exemplifies how collaborative education can impact a community’s health status. Leveraging each partner’s resources and linkages with the community can enhance the reach and sustainability of health education initiatives.