A PEER-TRAINING MODEL FOR INSTRUCTION OF BASIC CARDIAC LIFE-SUPPORT

This study evaluates a peer-training model for cardiopulmonary resusci tation (CPR) instruction for laypersons. Forty-one Norwegian factory e mployees were trained in CPR and given instructor training. These firs t trainees then trained 311 co-workers. These employees then trained 8 73 family members and associates at home. The reference group consists of employees in a Massachusetts commercial hotel trained in seven Ame rican Red Cross (ARC): Adult CPR classes, The Norwegian home trainees learned CPR using a cardboard training manikin and were trained by Nor wegian factory employees who had learned CPR from co-workers, Trainees were evaluated using skill sheets and a Laerdal Skillmeter(TM) maniki n. The performance of the Norwegians trained at home by peers did not differ from that of the ARC: Adult CPR trainees in six skills of the i nitial sequence of CPR, The home trainees outperformed the ARC: Adult CPR trainees in the proportion of compressions delivered correctly (P = 0.032) and ventilations delivered correctly (P = 0.015), Peer traini ng may provide CPR instruction comparable to training in CPR classes a t lower cost and with potential to reach new population segments.