In order to increase CPR training in Quebec, we designed a pilot study to t
est out the efficacy of training CEGEP (junior college) students in CPR. We
tried out four different methods of teaching CPR on students (Group A 'con
trol', 4 h course, manikin to student ratio 1:4; Group B, 4 h course, manik
in to student ratio 1:1: Group C, 2 h course, manikin to student ratio 1:1;
Group D, video-assisted CPR instruction, manikin to student ratio 1:1). CP
R skills were tested on a computerized manikin at the end of the initial co
urse and again at the end of the semester in order to evaluate short and lo
ng-term retention of skills. There were no significant differences between
the test groups and the control group in terms of compressions or ventilati
ons at the beginning and end of the semester, however groups C and D perfor
med significantly better primary surveys (Airway, Breathing, Circulation -
ABC sequences) during the initial testing. The most common reasons reported
by students for not taking CPR courses were the cost of courses (49.2%) an
d the inconvenience of courses (26.2%), similarly the two most common incen
tives which could get students to take CPR courses were; free courses (65.6
%) and greater accessibility of courses (54.1%). Video-assisted CPR trainin
g appears to be feasible, enjoyable and as, if not more effective than trad
itional CPR courses. Instituting a mandatory video-assisted CPR program in
the CEGEP system in Quebec and in high schools and colleges throughout the
world, would be a cost-effective way to train massive amounts of young peop
le in CPR. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.