“It is vital to patient survival that the first responders within a healthcare facility are able to perform CPR both confidently and competently. Unfortunately, even healthcare providers who are well trained often struggle to maintain their resuscitation skills and often do not consistently perform CPR according to the established standards of the American Heath Association (AHA),” says Nursing Department and visiting Life Support instructor Christine J. Peters.

“For years AHA and other resuscitation organizations have recommended CPR renewals to be conducted every two years, by attending a CPR renewal class bi-annually really is enough to maintain proficiency in these life saving skills,” said Peters.

In an interview with Samoa News, Peters said that many research studies have shown that CPR knowledge and skills begin to deteriorate in as little as 2- 3 months after training, often leaving healthcare providers unprepared and lacking confidence when faced with a cardiac emergency.

“This has increased significance for those working in areas where cardiac arrests are rare events. With limited staff and increased patient acuity, requiring attendance at more frequent training classes may not be the answer,” she said, noting that several current studies indicate that retention of CPR skills can be maintained by practicing less than 10 minutes every few months.

“These short and frequent sessions are referred to as booster training or booster practice and can be conducted in a self learning environment.” Peters further said this month in efforts to increase CPR skills retention for healthcare providers LBJ will begin participating in CPR booster practice.

“The LBJ nursing department has organized a mobile CPR practice cart that will make its way through the different patient care units on a weekly basis. While the cart is on the designated unit, nursing and medical staff will have the opportunity to practice chest compressions on a feedback mannequin and rescue breaths with a bag-valve-mask device at a time and place, that is convenient for them.

“Emphasis will be placed on providing chest compressions that are deep enough, fast enough since these are CPR skills most related to patient survival,” Peters said.

The visiting Life Support instructor also noted that this mannequin uses a simple system of audible clicks and colored lights to indicate the correct depth and rate of compressions.

The LBJ booster cart will continue the weekly rotations providing an opportunity for repeat self-directed practice approximately every week. Peters also made it clear that the LBJ booster cart does not mean the healthcare providers will not undertake the CPR renewal every two years as it’s an AHA requirement.

She said that with the cart there will be much additional skills practice throughout the year, and the recertification courses will not require as much practice time.

“In addition to increasing confidence, these booster trainings will provide a convenient, low cost opportunity for healthcare providers to retain these vital CPR skills with the ultimate goal of increasing patient survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest.”

Peters said to her fellow health caretakers, “So keep your eyes open for the CPR Practice Cart in your work area and take a few minutes to practice your skills!”