Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill training and retention in teens (CPR START): A randomized control trial in high school students

AIM: High school students are currently the largest group of individuals in the US receiving CPR training every year. This study examines the effect of adding a real-time visual feedback device to a standard instructor-led CPR course on skill acquisition and retention in high school students. METHODS: All study participants underwent baseline CPR skill testing and received a standard instructor-led compression-only CPR course. We then randomized students to a ‘Feedback Group’, consisting of 2 min of CPR training using a real-time visual feedback device, or ‘Standard Group’ that continued to practice on the inflatable manikin. CPR skills for all students were tested afterwards using the feedback device and reported as a compression score (CS) derived from their chest compression depth, rate, hand position, and full chest recoil. We compared the CS at baseline, week-0 (immediately post-intervention), week-10, week-28, and week-52 between groups. RESULTS: A total of 220 students were included in the analyses (Feedback Group = 110, Standard Group = 110). Both groups showed similar CPR performance at baseline. At week-0, the Feedback Group had a significantly higher CS compared to the Standard Group (adjusted difference: 20% [95% CI: 11%–29%; p < 0.001]). This difference attenuated over time but remained significant at the week-10 and week-28 follow-up; however, by the week-52 follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Using a real-time visual feedback device during CPR training significantly improves skill acquisition and retention in high school students and should be integrated into the high school CPR curriculum.