Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among People Employed in Selected Units Cooperating with the National Emergency Medical Services
Aim: This paper evaluates the level of knowledge for national and voluntary firefighters, police officers as well as members of the Voluntary Water Rescue Service (VWRS), in the application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Project and methods: Research was conducted with the use of questionnaires. Some 165 questionnaires were distributed, containing general questions about the place of work, work experience, gender, age, education and training as well as 17 content-related questions about knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Questions were concerned, above all, with the proper diagnosis of a sudden cardiac arrest, knowledge of the chest compression technique, usage of a defibrillator and the method of treating unconscious people. Results: Correct responses were provided by: 79% of members from the VWRS, 59% national firefighters, 46% voluntary firefighters and 52% police officers. The largest percentage of correct responses was observed in the 18-30 age group at 72% and from respondents with short period work experience (less than 5 years) at 76%. A proper diagnosis of a sudden cardiac arrest (Answer: unconscious and without life functions) was provided correctly by over 80% of members from the VWRS and national firefighters, 57% voluntary firefighters and 53% police officers. The percentage of correct responses to questions concerned with unblocking an airway passage (Answer: tilt the head backwards and lift the jaw), the location of hands on an adult’s chest when applying the chest compression technique (Answer: the middle of a chest), required frequency of chest compression (Answer: 100-120 per minute) and proportion of compressions to defibrillations (Answer: 30:2) was provided at a level of; 80%, 74%, 80% and 86% for VWRS, 92%, 50% and 55% for national fire fighters, 57%, 27%, 33% and 65% for volunteer firefighters, 71%, 20%, 17% and 60% for the police. The majority of those questioned (VWRS 89%, volunteer firefighters 73%, national firefighters 68% and police 57%) correctly stated that the purpose of a defibrillator is to apply an electric impulse with the aim of restoring the correct function of the heart. In circumstances where the patient is unconscious, but breathing, the correct approach (Answer: place the patient in the recovery position) was identified by all members of VWRS, 65% of volunteer firefighters, 60% of police officers and 35% of national firefighters. Conclusions: From the research sample it is assessed that the level of knowledge is inadequate and the training system, which the respondents took part in as ineffective, from the view point of theoretical knowledge concerning cardiopulmonary resuscitation.