Performing Simulated Basic Life Support without Seeing: Blind vs. Blindfolded People

Abstract

Previous pilot experience has shown the ability of visually impaired and blind people (BP) to learn basic life support (BLS), but no studies have compared their abilities with blindfolded people (BFP) after participating in the same instructor-led, real-time feedback training. Twenty-nine BP and 30 BFP participated in this quasi-experimental trial. Training consisted of a 1 h theoretical and practical training session with an additional 30 min afterwards, led by nurses with prior experience in BLS training of various collectives. Quantitative quality of chest compressions (CC), AED use and BLS sequence were evaluated by means of a simulation scenario. BP’s median time to start CC was less than 35 s. Global and specific components of CC quality were similar between groups, except for compression rate (BFP: 123.4 + 15.2 vs. BP: 110.8 + 15.3 CC/min; p = 0.002). Mean compression depth was below the recommended target in both groups, and optimal CC depth was achieved by 27.6% of blind and 23.3% of blindfolded people (p = 0.288). Time to discharge was significantly longer in BFP than BP (86.0 + 24.9 vs. 66.0 + 27.0 s; p = 0.004). Thus, after an adapted and short training program, blind people were revealed to have abilities comparable to those of blindfolded people in learning and performing the BLS sequence and CC.

Basic life support training for people with disabilities. A scoping review

“…The average number of publications per year from 1978 12 to 2023 13 , 14 was n = 0.31. The years with the highest scientific production related to the study subject were 2017, 15 , 16 2019, 17 , 18 , 19 2021, 20 , 21 and 2023. 13 , 14 The articles were published in the United States, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Slovenia and India.…”

“… 13 , 14 The articles were published in the United States, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Slovenia and India. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 …”

“… Martínez-Isasi, S., et al . 20 2021 Spain Performing Simulated Basic Life Support without Seeing: Blind vs. Blindfolded People To compare the training during BLS maneuvers of blind people and normally sighted people with covered eyes 59 Visual impairment: 29 Normally sighted: 30 Theoretical-practical training in BLS of 90 minutes. Simulation test The quality of CPR was similar in both groups.…”

“…Likewise, the diverse training strategies found in the studies analyzed could be classified based on: Training objective: training in BLS, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 validation of training content 22 and/or analysis and description of learning barriers. 16 , 21 Target population: participants with visual, 18 , 20 hearing, 13 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 physical 12 , 14 or Down syndrome.…”

“…Likewise, the diverse training strategies found in the studies analyzed could be classified based on: Training objective: training in BLS, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 validation of training content 22 and/or analysis and description of learning barriers. 16 , 21 Target population: participants with visual, 18 , 20 hearing, 13 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 physical 12 , 14 or Down syndrome. 15 , 19 , 22 Training resources: theoretical-practical training with and without adaptation to the participants - support from communicators specialized in sign language 12 , 13 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 21 and use of adapted audiovisual material.…”