Acquisition of knowledge and skills on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of the automated external defibrillator after a training process by Galician schoolteachers

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the knowledge that Galician schoolteachers from kindergarten, primary and secondary schools had on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) after a training process comparing oblivion after one week (G1), after a month (G2) and after two months (G3). The sample was made up by 144 schoolteachers between 23 and 64 years old (M = 42.46 SD = 10.03), 100 (69.4%) women, and 44 (30.6%) men. For data collection an ad hoc questionnaire was used, also a mannequin QCPR Laerdal® and a Philips AED. The results show statistical significative differences between the average of correct answers on the first questionnaire, and the last one (p < .001) among all the studied dimensions and groups (G1, G2 and G3). Regarding the ability to carry out a CPR, only statistical significative differences were found regarding average depth (men vs women; p < .001). Regarding AED time of use there were not found statistical significative differences regarding the time to apply an effective discharge on different groups (p > .005; G1 = 61.98 seconds; G2 = 54.69 seconds; G3 = 56.68 seconds). After the formative programme about BLS, there is an increase of theoretical knowledge among the schoolteachers and it remains 2 months after the programme is given. Also, it happened the same regarding CPR skills and AED use program.