Effect of a reminder video using a mobile phone on the retention of CPR and AED skills in lay responders

Background: Skills related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use by lay responders decay rapidly after training, and efforts are required to maintain competence among trainees. We examined whether repeated viewing of a reminder video on a mobile phone would be an effective means of maintaining CPR and AED skills in lay responders. Methods: In a single-blind case-control study, 75 male students received training in CPR and AED use. They were allocated either to the control or to the video-reminded group, who received a memory card containing a video clip about CPR and AED use for their mobile phone, which they were repeatedly encouraged to watch by SMS text message. CPR and AED skills were assessed in scenario format by examiners immediately and 3 months after initial training. Results: Three months after initial training, the video-reminded group showed more accurate airway opening (P < 0.001), breathing check (P < 0.001), first rescue breathing (P = 0.004), hand positioning (P = 0.004), AED electrode positioning (P < 0.001), pre-shock safety check (P < 0.001), defibrillation within 90 s (P = 0.010), and resuming CPR after defibrillation (P < 0.001) than controls. They also showed significantly higher self-assessed CPR confidence scores and increased willingness to perform bystander CPR in cardiac arrest than the controls at 3 months (P < 0.001, P = 0.024, respectively). Conclusion: Repeated viewing of a reminder video clip on a mobile phone increases retention of CPR and AED skills in lay responders. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.