MRTs maintain up-to-date certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The importance of CPR
- The timely delivery of CPR can provide significant survival benefits1.
- The quality of the CPR, ventilation and chest compressions, administered has also been shown to be of importance for survival1.
- The majority of in-hospital cardiac arrests are witnessed events, making early CPR and defibrillation possible.
- Specific requirements for CPR certification and recertification are currently set at the institutional level.
Regular recertification
- A recent study estimates that actual survival rates for CPR are lower than expected since the CPR isn’t performed correctly – even by healthcare professionals.
- Analysis of recent studies of CPR in healthcare facilities showed that learned CPR skills deteriorate significantly over time2:
- The majority of skill deterioration seems to occur within the first year
- Their recommendation was for refresher training every 6-12 months
- In Canada, both the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and the St. John’s Ambulance recommend that healthcare professionals recertify in CPR on an annual basis for the best possible outcomes3,4.
- Many institutions encourage their staff to recertify in CPR on an annual basis
- In addition to the patient benefits, MRTs will also be kept up to date with new development in CPR methods and technique.
References
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Abella BS, Alvarado JP, Myklebust H, et al. Quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during in-hospital cardiac arrest. JAMA. 2005;293(3):305-310.
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American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness. ACFASP Scientific Review: CPR Skill Retention. 2009. Available from: http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/resources/SAC/Reviews/CPR%20Skill%20Retention.pdf. [Accessed 4 Apr 2012]
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St. John’s Ambulance. Level C CPR and recertification. Available from: http://www.sja.ca/Ottawa/Training/AtWork/Pages/LevelCCPRandrecertification.aspx. [Accessed 4 Apr 2012]
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Michener Institute. Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (CPR) Recertification. Available at: http://www.michener.ca/ce/course_info.php?course_group_id=423. [Accessed 4 April 2012]