Too much puff, and not enough push? Surf lifeguard simulated CPR performance

The purpose of this paper is to report on the technical competency of volunteer surf lifeguards to perform CPR on a manikin in light of their lifeguard experience, age, and gender. The CPR skills of surf lifeguards on patrol at the beginning of the 2010-11 summer season were tested on manikins by observation of CPR procedures and electronic recording of compression and ventilation skills. Almost all lifeguards (n=252) made the appropriate initial checks for responsiveness (98%). Compression skills were generally performed accurately with few technical errors (such as incomplete release). Most lifeguards (87%) over-ventilated the lungs (> 600ml) on each breath and, of these, one third (31%) over-ventilated to a point that may worsen gastric distension (>1000ml). Males were significantly more likely (2 = 28.965, df = 14, p = 0.011) to over-inflate the lungs during testing. Reasons for poor performance are discussed and ways of addressing errors are suggested.