Abstract 471: Barriers to Performing CPR in a Community With a Low Prevalence of Bystander CPR
Introduction: Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality in the United States, with over 475,000 people dying annually. Bystander CPR significantly improves the odds of neurologically intact survival, yet nationally is performed in only 46% of out of hospital cardiac arrests. Significant regional variation exists in the performance of bystander CPR, with our community performing lower than national norms (26%). We sought to assess our community’s awareness of current American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations and the perceived barriers to performing bystander CPR. Methods: Adult study volunteers were recruited within the community (Norfolk, VA; pop. 244,703) and completed a 15-question anonymous survey that assessed knowledge of AHA recommendations, willingness to perform, and perceived barriers to performing CPR. Results: A total of 1,017 respondents completed all or part of the survey (40% male; 60% female). Knowledge of the importance of CPR was high. Of the respondents, 78% (n=708) indicated they would know if CPR was required, 84% (n=756) recognized the importance of performing CPR on a person who is unconscious and not breathing, and 89% (n=733) agreed CPR should not be delayed until the arrival of an ambulance. Though 70% (n=597) of respondents indicated they had been previously trained to perform CPR, only 44% (n=397) had been trained to perform “hands-only” CPR. Several barriers to performing CPR were identified. Forty-nine percent of respondents (n=402) believed they must perform “mouth to mouth” during CPR while 32% (n=284) were concerned they could catch a disease. Fear of doing something wrong while performing CPR was a concern for 28% (n=257). Twenty-six percent (n=237) reported concerns about the legal consequences of performing CPR. Conclusions: Though the importance of bystander CPR is well recognized in our community, misunderstandings regarding requirements and risks continue to exist. Education efforts should focus on increasing community awareness of current AHA recommendations.