Surf Lifeguard knowledge, practice and perceptions of CPR

Moran, K. & Webber, J.

Surf Life Saving NZ

2011

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Dr Kevin Moran, profile at the University of Auckland: www.education.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/kevin-moran/ and email: k.moran@auckland.ac.nz

This journal article is available for purchase: http://journals.humankinetics.com/ijare-back-issues/ijare-volume-6-issue-1-february/surf-lifeguard-perceptions-and-practice-of-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr

While the importance of lifeguards in providing immediate and effective basic life support (BLS) in drowning has been well reported, not a lot is known about how lifeguards perceive the relative value of CPR as a lifeguard skill, their training in it, and the likelihood of resuscitation being successful. A self-complete question­naire was done by 252 volunteer surf lifeguards at 16 surf beaches in the Greater Auckland NZ region. Results show that most lifeguards (65%) had received train­ing in the 3 months before the survey, 83% were willing to perform CPR, few (9%) had used CPR in an emergency, and many had a realistic expectation of the likelihood of CPR being successful. Recall of CPR compression rates (86%) was very good but initial steps at an emergency scene were less accurately recalled. Ways to address the misconceptions reported in the survey through enhanced training programs are discussed.

Keywords:

Lifesaving, Surf, CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Lifeguard

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