Towards new models of cardiopulmonary resuscitation teaching: the role of practical scenario training on surf lifesavers’ perceptions of resuscitation efficacy

Introduction: surf lifesavers in Australia undertake numerous resuscitation scenarios in the course of their training and examination. The standard teaching and examination strategy is for the scenario to end with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and then breathing. This study was performed to assess the effect of this training technique on lifesavers’ expectation of successful resuscitation and to determine the effect of experience on these expectations. Methods: participants were lifesavers from Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches (SLSSNB). Data was collected by questionnaire. Questionnaires were applied to newly qualified lifesavers, a random sample of patrolling lifesavers and a strategic group of lifesavers with extensive experience in resuscitation. Anticipation of ROSC was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: the mean VAS for the expected likelihood of successful resuscitation was 55.0±19.2% (95% CI: 51.3–58.6%). Published rates of ROSC range from 9 to 36.4%. Nearly 80% of our respondents expected better than 36.4% chance of ROSC. There was no difference in anticipation of ROSC between the three groups ( F=0.41; 2,99df; P=0.67). Time since learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) did not affect the expectancy of ROSC ( F=0.92; 5,101df; P=0.47). Similarly, the number of resuscitations performed by an individual did not affect anticipation of successful outcome ( F=0.13; 3,102df; P=0.94). Conclusions: surf lifesavers in the Sydney Northern Beaches branch have an exaggerated expectation of the chances of successful CPR following cardiac arrest. This expectation did not change with time since learning CPR or participation in actual resuscitations. New models for CPR education need to be investigated.