Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in secondary education: A prospective cross-sectional survey of 110 Hong Kong secondary schools

Background: Hong Kong rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation are very low by international standards. Several Hong Kong secondary schools have begun incorporating cardiopulmonary resuscitation training into their curriculums for teachers and students. Objective: This study aimed to explore secondary school cardiopulmonary resuscitation programs and better understand school principals' attitudes toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to all Hong Kong secondary school principals (public and private, except for special education schools) between December 2017 and March 2018. A self-administered questionnaire of 20 items focusing on school characteristics, details of any in-school cardiopulmonary resuscitation materials or training, attitudes toward teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and any barriers or ways to promote school cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was given to all school principals in the territory. This study was approved by the Survey and Behavioural Research Ethics committee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong on September 13, 2017. Results: Out of the 506 schools contacted, 110 completed surveys were returned (21.7%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was offered in 33.6% (37/110), while 92.7% (102/110) had an automatic external defibrillator. A majority (69.1% (76/110)) agreed or strongly agreed that cardiopulmonary resuscitation training should be compulsory for secondary school students. In schools where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was taught, most cardiopulmonary resuscitation students were aged 15-17 years, and most courses ran for < 5 h. Increased funding could encourage more schools to offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to students in the future. Conclusion: One-third (33.6%) of Hong Kong secondary schools offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. Increased funding may support school-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction and improve rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the future.