Abstract 4373028: City-Wide Hands-On Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Improves Basic Life Support Skills in Elementary School children:A Healthcare-Led Initiative With Support From Local Authorities and Fire Department.

Abstract

Introduction: In Japan, over 28,000 witnessed OHCA (Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest) cases occur annually. Bystander CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) rates remain around 50%, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use is below 4%, despite widespread AED availability. Inspired by King County in Washington State, USA, where public CPR education has led to bystander CPR rates exceeding 70%, we implemented a city-wide CPR program for 5th- and 6th-grade students in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, to assess its impact. Methods: From June 2022 to December 2023, we provided 45-minute CPR training to 2,730 students at 44 public elementary schools in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. We conducted a standardized BLS training session using a video-based program with hands-on practice kits, developed by a Japanese non-profit organization. Healthcare professionals led the sessions with support from local authorities and the fire department. Each child practiced compressions using an individual training kit. Self-assessment surveys rated students’ competency on six basic BLS actions—scene safety, responsiveness, emergency call and AED request, breathing check, chest compressions, and AED use—on a 4-point Likert scale (0–3), before and after the training. Results: Self-assessment scores improved significantly for all six BLS actions after training. The greatest improvements were observed in chest compressions (pre: 1.09 ± 1.05, post: 2.45 ± 0.72; mean difference: 1.36 ± 0.02, P<.0001) and AED use (pre: 0.87 ± 1.03, post: 2.48 ± 0.69; mean difference: 1.62 ± 0.02, P<.0001). Although 80% of students had previously seen an AED, most reported being unable to use one before the training. The hands-on format contributed to a substantial increase in self-reported confidence and skills. Conclusion: Hands-on,school-based CPR training improved self-assessed BLS skills among elementary students. Children were interested and receptive to learning CPR. Continued collaboration among healthcare providers, local authorities, and emergency responders is key to building lasting CPR education from an early age.