1Director, Adjunct Faculty, Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India
2Medical Officer, Academics, Adjunct Faculty, Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India
3Adjunct Faculty, Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India
Online published on 4 June, 2019.
Anywhere, anytime, anyone can face a medical emergency!!
It could be at your workplace, public place or your home; it could be your colleague, your friend or yourself. About 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home and workplace. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if used appropriately and immediately can significantly impact survival of patients. The American Heart Association-Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course is specially designed to prepare an individual to provide First Aid, CPR and AED in a safe timely and effective manner
Of the study is to test the retention of cognitive skills acquired during the AHA-Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course at the end of four weeks.
The interventional study was conducted amongst 244 Post Graduate Management students based in Pune. The students were of the age group 20–27. In order to assess the impact of the AHA-Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED training, the students chosen, had not undergone any previous, formal training in First Aid and CPR concepts. The respondents were assessed with a pre-designed 15 item Multiple Choice Questionnaire provided by the American Heart Association (AHA). The respondents were then subjected to a one day training on correct First Aid practices called AHA-Heartsaver CPR AED protocol. After the training session the respondents were subjected to the same questionnaire provided by AHA to evaluate their immediate post training knowledge. To assess the knowledge retention of acquired cognitive skills among respondents, the same questionnaire was administered to the respondents after a gap of four weeks. Data was analyzed using means and paired ‘t’. test to ascertain significance. SPSS version 23.0 was utilized for analysis.
The low pre-test scores clearly indicate the lack of knowledge regarding Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED among non-medical students. The significant increase obtained in the immediate post training test points towards effectiveness of communication regarding safe and timely first aid and CPR practices. The retention test scores show a significant drop from the immediate post training test scores.
The program although successfully transfers knowledge but requires periodic reinforcement to ensure long term retention and application in a real world emergency.
A key reason behind the drop in scores could be the lack of exposure to medical emergencies as it does not feature in their management curriculum. Regular refresher workshops can ensure their continued interest and retention of the cognitive skills.
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator
