Mandating Training Is Not Enough: The State of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Training in Ontario Schools

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training in schools are mandated in the Ontario high school curriculum. We surveyed schools to understand the scope of this training, including its barriers and facilitators. We recruited 120 (58.5%) elementary, 25 (12.2%) middle, and 60 (29.3%) high schools. Almost 60% (120 of 200) provided staff with CPR training, but only 56% (27 of 48) of high schools trained students. Major barriers included lack of funding, time, and trainers. Despite governmentmandated curriculum, only 56% of high schools offer CPR and AED training. More research is needed to understand the barriers to implementing this lifesaving training.

Bystander interventions and survival after exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest: a systematic review

“…The frequent presence of multiple lay rescuers at organised sporting events or within exercise facilities presents the opportunity to maximise the provision of bystander interventions, increasing the probability of survival after exercise-related SCA. Evidence has shown that in many sport and exercise settings, satisfactory plans are not in place to effectively respond to a cardiac event 15–21 24 75–77. Our review strengthens the need to further reduce the chance of a catastrophic outcome after exercise-related SCA through the development and rehearsal of emergency action plans at institutions, exercise facilities and during organised sporting events 9 11 12.…”

High School Student CPR Training in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study of Teacher Perspectives, Willingness, and Perceived Barriers

“…This is somewhat consistent with the recent literature. 9 , 11 , 20 , 22 Many studies documented a positive association with teachers’ willingness levels 10 , 20 , 23 , 24 and only one study found a link between perceived control behaviour and CPR implementation in school. 9 …”

“…This is somewhat consistent with the recent literature. 9,11,20,22 Many studies documented a positive association with teachers' willingness levels 10,20,23,24 and only one study found a link between perceived control behaviour and CPR implementation in school. 9 As for CPR training barriers, legal liability seems to be a worldwide concern.…”

“…6 Looking at developed countries who implemented CPR training in their school systems, it seems that mandating CPR training is not enough to implement CPR training in schools. [7][8][9] There were many challenges that hindered the integration of CPR training into school curricula. Teachers' acceptance and beliefs about CPR education appears to be the main challenge, followed by training teachers, legal obligations, funding, and resources.…”

“…7 School principals on the other hand addressed; course time restriction, finding a trainer, inadequate funding and support, students and parents disapproval are perceived difficulties in implementing CPR training in their schools. 10 Given the very limited number of regional studies on CPR training in schools 11,12 and the aforementioned challenges highlighted from the experiences of communities who have pioneered the implementation of CPR training, [8][9][10] this study aims to survey the willingness of teaching staff in Kuwait to embark on such a project, in addition to perceived barriers and other factors influencing CPR training in high schools. Also, this study attempts to explore teaching staff views on the best approach to implement CPR training in high schools.…”