Abstract 9940: A Survey on Laypersons' Willingness in Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction Although bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can more than double survival from cardiac arrest, the reported prevalence of bystander CPR remains low in most countries. Reasons cited for the reluctance to perform CPR often include concerns about disease transmission related to performing mouth-to-mouth ventilation. However, a couple of studies reported that bystanders at the scene of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests most often cited other reasons such as panic or fear of causing harm for failing to perform CPR. This study was performed to investigate factors affecting laypersons' willingness in performing CPR. Methods Questionnaires including 10 questions regarding personnel backgrounds, knowledge regarding the use of AED, CPR training, willingness in performing CPR, and EMS dispatcher's phone advice were distributed to citizens who gathered at a ball park stadium, a typical public place in Hiroshima, Japan. Results Ten thousands questionnaires were distributed and a total of 5,956 were collected for analysis. As for the willingness to perform CPR, 38 % answered they would start CPR, 34 % would do it if any advice available. On the other hand, 23 % said they were not capable of performing CPR, and 4 % were not willing to do it. Of those who were not capable of performing CPR, the reasons included lack of knowledge and/or skills to perform CPR (50%), no previous CPR training (27%), and concern over harm to the victims (25%).Of those who were willing to perform CPR, 61 % answered they would prioritize rescue breathing over chest compression. In comparison of those with and without previous CPR training or knowledge of the use of AED, a significant differences were found in the willingness in performing CPR (88% vs. 58%, p <0.0001; 91% vs. 58%, p <0.0001, respectively), and doing rescue breathing (55% vs. 29%, p <0.0001; 64% vs. 57%, p <0.0001, respectively). Fifty two percent of the respondents did not know the service of dispatcher-assisted CPR. Conclusion Our study indicated that proper knowledge of CPR, prior CPR training, and on-site bystander CPR assistance may greatly enhance laypersons' willingness in performing CPR. More emphasis should be exerted on the roles of chest compression and the EMS dispatcher-assistance in CPR education.