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Background. Basic life support (BLS) training with hands-on practice can improve performance during simulated cardiac arrest, although the optimal duration for BLS training is unknown. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various BLS training durations for acquiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) skills. Methods. We randomised 485 South Korean nonmedical college students into four levels of BLS training: level 1 (40 min), level 2 (80 min), level 3 (120 min), and level 4 (180 min). Before and after each level, the participants completed questionnaires regarding their willingness to perform CPR and use AEDs, and their psychomotor skills for CPR and AED use were assessed using a manikin with Skill-Reporter™ software. Results. There were no significant differences between levels 1 and 2, although levels 3 and 4 exhibited significant differences in the proportion of overall adequate chest compressions (p < 0.001) and average chest compression depth (p = 0.003). All levels exhibited a greater posttest willingness to perform CPR and use AEDs (all, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Brief BLS training provided a moderate level of skill for performing CPR and using AEDs. However, high-quality skills for CPR required longer and hands-on training, particularly hands-on training with AEDs.

Background and ObjectivesNo existing device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR is designed to exploit both the cardiac pump and the thoracic pump simultaneously. This study was designed to assess the hemodynamic effects of simultaneous sterno-thoracic CPR SST-CPR vs. standard CPR S-CPR using a mechanical resuscitator in a canine model of cardiac arrest. Device Description We have built a device that depresses the sternum and circumferentially constricts the thorax simultaneously. This device has two components. The first component is a piston, which depresses the sternum. The second is a circumferential strap that constricts the thorax as the piston is pushed down on the sternum. Materials and Methods Twelve domestic dogs were enrolled in this study. After catheterizations to measure pressures from the aorta and the right atrium, ventricular fibrillation was induced by passing AC current to the right ventricle. After 4 minutes of cardiac arrest, S-CPR and SST-CPR were performed alternatively. Aortic pressure, right atrial pressure, cardiac output, and end tidal CO 2 were measured while each method of CPR was performing. Results SST-CPR resulted in significantly higher mean arterial pressure than S-CPR 68.9 16.1 vs 30.5 10.0 mmHg, p 0.01 . SST-CPR could generate higher coronary perfusion pressure than S-CPR 47.0 11.4 vs 17.3 8.9 mmHg, p 0.01 . End tidal CO 2 tension was also higher during SST-CPR than S-CPR 11.6 6.1 vs 2.17 3.3 mmHg, p 0.01 . Conclusion Simultaneous sternothoracic cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a new method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which can generate better hemodynamic effects than standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Korean Circulation J

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