Online training to improve BLS performance with dispatcher assistance? Results of a cluster-randomised controlled simulation trial.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for patients improves significantly with effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by bystanders. Current research indicates that individuals who receive CPR from trained bystanders have a greater likelihood of survival compared to those who receive dispatcher-assisted CPR from untrained laypersons. This cluster-randomised controlled trial assessed the impact of a 30-min online training session prior to a simulated cardiac arrest situation with dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR) on enhancing Basic Life Support (BLS) performance. METHODS: This study was performed in 2018 in Hamburg, Germany. The primary outcome was the practical BLS skills of high school students in simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios with dispatcher assistance. The intervention group participants underwent a 30-min online BLS training session, while the control group did not receive an intervention. It was hypothesized that the average practical BLS scores of the intervention group would be 1.5 points higher than those of the control group. RESULTS: BLS assessments of 286 students of 16 different classes were analysed. The estimated mean BLS score in the intervention group was 7.60 points (95% CI: 6.76 to 8.44) compared to 6.81 (95% CI: 5.97 to 7.65) in the control group adjusted for BLS training and class. Therefore, the estimated mean difference between the groups was 0.79 (95% CI: -0.40 to 1.97) and not significantly different (p-value: 0.176). Based on a logistic regression analysis the intervention had only a significant effect on the chance to pass the item "vertically above the chest" (OR = 4.99; 95% CI: 1.46 to 17.12) adjusted for BLS training and class. CONCLUSION: Prior online training exhibits beneficial impacts on the BLS performance of bystanders during DA-CPR. To maximise the effect size, online training should be incorporated into a set of interventions that are mutually complementary and specifically designed for the target participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00033531 . "Kann online Training Laien darauf vorbereiten Reanimationsmaßnahmen unter Anleitung der Leitstelle adäquat durchzuführen? " Registered on January 29, 2024.

Implementation of basic life support training for school children: Online education for potential instructors? Results of a cluster randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Comprehensive training of the population in basic life support (BLS) increases the chance of survival in cardiac arrest. To implement BLS trainings at schools a high number of instructors will be needed. This non-inferiority study investigated, if online education is effective to prepare instructors to teach BLS compared to face-to-face education. METHODS: A cluster randomised, controlled, single blinded study was performed in 2018 in Hamburg, Germany. A mixed group of potential instructors were allocated alternately to either the intervention or control group and participated in a four-hour instructor training. The instructor training of the control group was realised by trained educators. The intervention group participated in a self-regulated online training with hands-on training supported by peers. Instructors provided BLS training for high school students. The primary endpoint was a mean score in the BLS skills assessment of the students. The secondary endpoint was teaching effectiveness of the instructors. RESULTS: BLS assessments of 808 students of 46 classes, who were taught by 74 instructors could be analysed. The students trained by interventional instructors achieved 0.14 points less (95% CI: -0.27 to 0.56) compared to students trained by control instructors (9.34 vs. 9.48). The non-inferiority could not be confirmed. The teaching performance in the intervention group was better in some aspects compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Integrating all results of this study, online education may be an effective alternative to prepare potential BLS instructors. Using free online courses, motivated persons can independently acquire necessary skills to become instructors and autonomously realise low cost BLS trainings at schools.