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Acceptability and effectiveness of training elementary and secondary students in gamified CPR and AED use in three Canadian provinces

delete2026-03-01
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PRE
AI
A
Allan, Katherine S.
M
McCulloch, Holly
R
Ruether, Kim
J
Jeanine Zotzman
B
Blanchard, Ian E.
M
Michael Janczyszyn
N
Natalie Wong
E
Emma O’Neil
S
Sapp, John
D
Dhillon, Santokh *
DOI:10.1016/j.resplu.2026.101275delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Background: There are multiple models to train school students to provide effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and apply automatic external defibrillator (AED). However, few have assessed gamified, video-based training to teach school children. This national project aimed to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a video-based, gamified educational program (CardiacCrashTM), to teach students in classroom setting, how to respond to a cardiac arrest. Methods: This interrupted time series study assessed students' acceptability of the program, their perceived confidence in responding to cardiac arrest and their effectiveness at performing CPR. Paper-based surveys administered before and after the educational sessions. CPR performance (rate, depth) for students was measured quantitatively using Laerdal Resusci Anne QCPR manikins. Results: A total of 1958 students from 21 schools in three Canadian provinces participated between October 2023 and June 2024 (average age of 13 +/- 2.4 years). About 49.7% (969) were male and 54.8% were secondary school students. About 42.3% had prior CPR training. Students reported: the program was easy to understand (83.5%), fun (90.2%), the right length (72.0%), and they would recommend to friends (88.9%). The selfconfidence of all school students increased significantly in all outcome measures post-training, particularly in those without prior CPR training. All students achieved appropriate CPR depth and rate, as per guidelines; however, secondary students were significantly better at providing effective compressions compared to elementary students. Conclusion: A novel, gamified, video-based, educational program is acceptable to school-aged children and appears effective at teaching them CPR and AED usage.
Keywords:
Sudden cardiac arrest
CPR
Training
Schoolchildren
Gamification

Journal

R
RESUSCITATION PLUS
IF:
2.4
Papers:
205
Citations:
0

Organization

A
alberta health services (ahs)
Scholars:
2.4K
Papers: 1.8K
Citations: 2
Q
queen elizabeth ii health sciences centre
Scholars:
988
Papers: 852
Citations: 3
D
Dalhousie University
Scholars:
1.9W
Papers: 1.8W
Citations: 2.3W
U
university of calgary
Scholars:
5.0K
Papers: 2.2K
Citations: 0
U
university of toronto
Scholars:
14.5W
Papers: 11.9W
Citations: 165
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