Certified basic life support instructors identify improper cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills poorly: Instructor assessments versus resuscitation manikin data

Hansen C, Bang C, Staerk, M et al. Simul Healthc. 2019;14(5):281-286

Importance of Conclusion

Certified BLS instructors observing students performing CPR on manikins poorly judged the adequacy of students’ CPR skills. Data captured by the manikins showed that instructors often thought chest compression and rescue breathing done by students was performed correctly when it was improperly done.

Key Points

  • In this study, 89% of CPR students were judged competent by instructors despite performing rescue breaths detected as improper by manikins.
  • If instructors fail to identify improper CPR performance, BLS students who are unprepared to deliver successful CPR in real life could become certified in BLS.
  • These results support the findings of previous studies showing that instructors and BLS providers are not reliable assessors of CPR quality. Instead of relying on instructor observations to assess learners’ skills, manikin data should be included.

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