Greek BLS Certified Providers’ CPR Willingness and Skill Retention During the Pre-Vaccine Covid-19 Pandemic Period. A Survey of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of established knowledge regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the pre-vaccine Covid-19 pandemic era of certified Basic Life Support (BLS) providers, as well as their attitude towards CPR and their willingness to provide CPR. Methods Certified BLS providers from courses held in Athens, Greece, were asked to complete an electronic survey regarding their knowledge of and stance towards performing CPR on victims with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infection. Their insight on BLS courses was also assessed. Answers were collected during June 2020. Results Out of 5513 certified providers, 25.53% completed the survey. The majority (83.36%) would provide CPR to a cardiac arrest victim with possible or confirmed Covid-19 infection. Regarding the use of an automated external defibrillator, most respondents anticipated that it is equally safe as in the pre-Covid-19 period (58.24%). A more elementary level of education (p = 0.04) made rescuers more willing to provide CPR. Access to the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) or to the Greek National Public Health Organization (NPHO) guidelines was not correlated to the attitude towards resuscitation. Time since the last BLS seminar had no impact on the rescuers’ attitude (p = 0.72). All responders agreed that training in CPR during Covid-19 remains necessary. Conclusion Certified BLS providers maintained their willingness to perform CPR in cardiac arrest victims even during the pre-vaccine, dangerous Covid-19 pandemic period. Knowledge regarding Covid-19 CPR was satisfactory; however, continuous training, focused on the revised algorithms, was considered essential.

Emergency Medicine Perspectives: The Importance of Bystanders and Their Impact on On-Site Resuscitation Measures and Immediate Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

“…A foray into the bystander psyche reveals a mix of hesitations and fears. A study by Latsios et al provided a window into this hesitation, revealing the emotional conflicts that hold many back [15]. Dainty's findings added depth, illustrating fears of inadequacy or of causing inadvertent harm [16].…”