Pranas Šerpytis, Tomas Tamošiūnas, Andžela Slušnienė, Sigita Glaveckaite, Greta Kezytė, Indrė Urbanavičiūtė, Aleksandras Laucevičius
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Even in 65% of cases the first registered rhythm after cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation (VF) which can be restored to sinus rhythm by defibrillation. European Resuscitation Council guidelines (2010) highlight the importance of automated external defibrillator (AED) and encourage further AED program development and device installation in public places. The aim and methods: To assess public knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and capability of using AED in five largest cities of Lithuania. The anonymous survey was conducted in public areas (shopping malls, stations, city squares). Only adults (aged 18-65 years) who claimed to have knowledge about CPR were interviewed. Results: 130 (76.9%) of respondents described their knowledge about CPR as inadequate. In a hypothetical 3-step situation, where a person clenches fists over his chest and falls, only 16.6% of respondents would act correctly according to the guidelines. Only 29% (49) knew what AED was, those aware of AED – almost all correctly stated the principle of managing the device and indications of its usage. The main sources of information regarding AED: training at the office 28.6% (14), television 28.6% (14), driving courses 22.4% (11); about CPR – driving courses 70.4% (119), school 46.7% (79), television 26% (44) and training at the office 24.9% (42). 81.6% of respondents would participate in CPR and AED courses, if they were free of charge. Conclusions: Lithuanian‘s knowledge about CPR is insufficient, only every third person knows what AEDs are. Community education and training on CPR and AEDs use are needed. The majority of respondents would attend CPR and AED training if it was free of charge.
Keyword(s): cardiopulmonary resuscitation; automated external defibrillator; sudden cardiac arrest; cardiovascular diseases; public education.
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2016.055
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