Performance outcomes of an online first aid and CPR course for laypersons

Objective: The study evaluated the effectiveness of an online first aid course by comparing it with the traditional instructor-led course. An effective online course increases course accessibility and mitigates the major deterrent to widespread layperson training. Design: A comparison group design evaluated performances among 25 laypersons self-selecting the traditional course and 46 self-selecting the online course. Setting: Online participants completed the course in a location and at a time convenient to them. Traditional participants completed the course at testing sites. All attended a testing site for skills testing. Method: Eight instructors participated in traditional course delivery, skills review and practice, and skills testing. They assessed participants’ performance using standard checklists. Resuscitation mannequins captured objective performance data. Results: Instructors assessed all participants as passing all skills tests. None passed using the objective data but online course participants outperformed traditional course participants. Conclusions: The online course is effective. Its accessibility permits broader dissemination and use.