Defining the Optimal Age for Basic Life Support and Cardiac Compression Training in Thai Adolescents
Nayawadee Kaweenuttayanon MD*, Pariwat Phungoen MD*, Praew Kotruchin MD*, Kamonwan Ianghong MD*, Siwit Chantawattanaruk MD*, Chatlert Pongchaiyakul MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Emergency Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To determine the optimal age ranges for implementing basic life support and chest compression course in Thai
adolescents.
Material and Method: This was a cross sectional study in a secondary school in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Participants were
divided into three age groups (13 to 14, 15 to 16, and 17 to 18-year-old groups). Every age group attended basic life support
lecture and chest compression practice. Performance of each student was evaluated by practical examinations with the
manikins and multiple-choice questions. Data were analyzed in descriptive and multiple logistic regression models by STATA
program version 10.
Results : Two hundred seventy five students were enrolled. There were 118 males (43%). There were 99, 96, and 80 participants
in age group 13 to 14, 15 to 16, and 17 to 18-year-old, respectively. Mean score differences between pre- and post-test
significantly increased in all age groups. More than 50% of trainees achieved quality chest compression after training by
experienced healthcare providers in all age groups (52.2% in 13 to 14 years, 52.5% in 15 to 16 years, and 65.0% in 17 to
18 years). Men had significant higher rates of quality chest compression compared to women after adjusted for age and
body mass index.
Conclusion : Thai adolescents in age groups of 13 to 14, 15 to 16, and 17 to 18-year-old can perform quality chest compression
in similar success rates after theory lecture and hand-on training. Basic life support and chest compression course can be
initiated at the age of thirteen.
Keywords : Cardiac life support, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, High school students, Curriculum
