Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training: where are we now?

The aim of this study was to assess the current situation with regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and organisation 10 years after guidelines were published by the Royal College of Physicians. Questionnaires were sent to 100 UK hospital trusts (88 responses) and 200 general practitioners on Wirral, Merseyside (92 responses). Most trusts gave their staff annual training in CPR, but only 80% trained all staff who came into contact with patients. Not all trusts employed resuscitation training officers, carried out routine audit or had formal CPR policies. The majority of GPs had had no training in CPR for more than five years. Only one practice had a defibrillator, yet 14% had needed to carry out CPR in the past 12 months. Less than half the GPs ever discussed CPR with appropriate patients. The resuscitation service in this country is fragmented, and certain areas - particularly the training of GPs - need attention.