CPR Crash Course Gets High Marks

news you may not knowYou'll Be A Pro In 30 Minutes...

Sometimes a little bit really does go a long way.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center say CPR can be taught effectively in just 30 minutes. Wow - and you thought Rachael Ray was impressive with her 30-minute meals.

The researchers assessed the difference between traditional and abbreviated methods of teaching both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator(AED). The traditional method of CPR-AED training involves 3 to 4 hours of classroom instruction. Students listen to lectures and practice their skills on a shared manikin.

The abbreviated method cuts instruction time to a mere 30 minutes. Students watch a video, produced by the American Heart Association, and practice virtually nonstop on their own mini-manikin. The scientists say it is this continuous practice that makes the training effective. The repetition develops muscle memory. Following the video, students receive 3 minutes of instruction on recognizing and preventing choking and 5 minutes instruction on the use of an automated external defibrillator.

The results are impressive. The students of the 30-minute course perform as well as the traditional students immediately after completion of the course. But, at six months, they actually outperform the students taught by the traditional method.

What's the next step? Well, there are a couple options. If you're a night owl, you're all set. Just grab a good book, wait till your husband dozes off and then pounce! You should be able to get in a good 30 seconds or so of practice before he comes around. Or...

You can find excellent online information, including illustrations and videos, from the University of Washington School of Medicine. You can also buy the instructional video and kit from the American Heart Association.

To read more about the study, see this from ScienceDaily.

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.