Benefits of visual feedback on cardiopulmonary resuscitation training: a non-randomised manikin study with bystanders

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is vital for the survival of people who has suffered a cardiac arrest. In order to achieve a good quality CPR performance, rescuer needs a good training which could be gotten with the use of feedback devices. The aim of this study was to compare the use of visual feedback device in CPR training to learning without feedback. Methods: Ninety-nine subjects without basic life support knowledge participating in the study were divided into three groups. All of them carried out two tests: 2 minutes of CPR with compressions and ventilations. First two groups received trainings on CPR between the tests (experimental groups): one group with instructor-led training and the other one with visual feedback device. The third group did not receive any training between the tests (control group). Results: In the first test no differences among the three groups were found. The experimental groups improved their scores in the last test. The number of correct chest compressions by hand position and depth, and the number of correct rescue breaths was increased. The experimental group with visual feedback CPR training achieved better scores of quality CPR in the second test than the instructor-led training group. Conclusions: The visual feedback and instruction-led training have positive effects on the quality CPR. The use of visual feedback during learning has greater benefits than instruction-led training in the three variables analysed.