Immediate start of CPR improves survival after cardiac arrest as the cerebral neurodegeneration starts already after 3–5 min [1]. Correctly performed CPR consists of correct chest compressions, containing adherence to rate, depth, full recoil, and fraction. The quality of the CPR affects the patient’s short-term and long-term survival at a cardiac arrest [2]. By educating laymen, survival after cardiac arrest can increase in society. It is difficult to reach the entire population when CPR training is not obligatory. However, if 15% of the population can perform CPR, one could see a statistically significant increase in CPR results [3].
In 2015, a joint statement was published from the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), the European Patient Safety Foundation (EPSF), the International Liaisons Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), endorsing the implementation of “Kids Save Lives” project. The project recommends a 2-h annual CPR training for schoolchildren starting at the age of 12 years, which is the optimal age to start teaching children cardiac compressions [3]. Previous research has shown that first aid and CPR education significantly increase the basic life support knowledge of schoolchildren to assist in an emergency situation [4]. Continuous training can result in a sustainable acquisition and maintenance of CPR performance by schoolchildren [5]. First aid and CPR are part of handling emergencies and are vital knowledge of all citizens, from young children, adolescents, and adults. Knowledge can contribute to reduced suffering, reduced risk of injury, and increased chance of survival in the event of illness or accident [6].
A detailed curriculum has been developed for CPR education in Swedish schools. Schoolchildren receive first aid and CPR training from elementary school to high school, 5–15 years old [6, 7]. In elementary school, 5–9 years, students are trained on how to check if the person is conscious or unconscious, open the airway, do mouth-to-mouth ventilation, put the person in recovery position, and call the emergency number. Aged 10–12 years, the students are trained in what to do in a choking emergency (5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts), mouth-to-mouth ventilation, and chest compressions. Other parts to train are wounds and hemorrhages, sprains, allergies, frostbites, and lifesaving in and near water.
In middle school, 13–15 years, students are educated in first aid and CPR including the use of a defibrillator. Other elements that are recommended to practice are burns, diabetes, chest pain, stroke, and cramps [6, 7].
The education in lifesaving in and near water is made possible because the ability to swim is included in the requirements at the age of 12 years and 15 years. To receive a passing grade in sport and health at 12 years of age, a student must be able to swim 200 m. At the age of 15, the student must also be able to handle emergency situations by the water using alternative aids in different seasons [7].
In high school, 16–18 years, first aid and CPR are performed in some courses but not all. Some schools cooperate with emergency services or other organizations in education and training of students [7].
Although children and adolescents are trained in emergency skills and CPR, it is mainly the adults who witness out-of-hospital cardiac arrest [8]. One way to increase adults’ knowledge in CPR is to encourage children and adolescents to spread their CPR knowledge at home. By describing what they have learned and by showing educational material to their parents, the children also get the chance to consolidate their knowledge [9, 10]. In the longer term, the number of individuals being able to perform CPR increases in the society, which leads to an increase in the possibility of resuscitation and the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests [1].
Studies related to youth CPR usually use theoretical instruments to assess CPR performance, although the assessment of practical CPR quality can be regarded as a golden standard and may need to be implemented in further evaluations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 2-h CPR intervention for youth.