Telemedicine and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the value of video-link and telephone instruction to a mock bystander

We evaluated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by persons with no previous experience on a resuscitation dummy. Subjects were randomized i nto four groups, one of which had no instruction. The other three groups we re instructed for 3 min in mock CPR by a supervisor using a telephone, a vi deo-link, or directly in person. They were compared with a group which had had previous CPR training. The main outcome measures were the number of cor rect ventilations, chest compressions and compressions with correct hand po sition. Video-link instruction was associated with significantly higher med ian scores for all three outcome measurements (P < 0.05), whereas telephone instruction and previous CPR training were associated with higher scores o n only one, namely ventilations (P < 0.05). Video-link instruction was comp arable with direct observer instruction. There was no significant differenc e between previously trained subjects and the intervention groups. Video-li nk instruction can produce significant improvements in the quality of CPR i n mock resuscitations for persons with no resuscitation training.