Objective assessment of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills of 10-11-year-old schoolchildren using two different external chest compression to ventilation ratios.

AIMS OF STUDY: To objectively evaluate how effectively children can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR) 2 months after a single, 2h training session and establish whether or not their performance is affected by the ratio of external chest compressions to ventilations used.

METHODS: Eighty-five schoolchildren aged 10-11 years old were given a 2-h CPR training programme. After 2 months they were randomised into two groups and asked to perform CPR on a resuscitation skills reporter manikin for 3min at a ratio of 30:2 followed by 5min rest, then for 3min at 15:2 (or vice versa). Chest compression depths and ventilation volumes were recorded on a laptop computer and analysed using the Hills and Armitage crossover trial design.

RESULTS: The school children were found to be capable of performing effective CPR 2 months after a single training session. In both groups the percentage of chest compressions, of depth recommended by current CPR guidelines, was greater when the 15:2 ratio was being used (P<0.001). The average chest compression depth was significantly greater when the children were performing CPR at a ratio of 15:2 (P<0.001). The compression to ventilation ratio used did not affect the average volume or percentage of effective ventilations given. However, in both groups, the ventilation variables showed enhanced performance during the second period of CPR.

CONCLUSIONS: Children as young as 10-11 years are capable of performing effective CPR after a single, 2h training session in cardiopulmonary resuscitation given in school. This age group are able to achieve greater depth of chest compressions, when using a ratio of 15:2 rather than 30:2.