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Affiliation
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School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. |
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Abstract
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ISSUE ADDRESSED: Rivers are a leading location for fatal drowning worldwide; often geographically isolated from timely medical assistance. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) benefits drowning victims and those who suffer cardiac arrests. This study explored CPR and first aid training of river users in Australia.
METHODS: Adult river users (18+ years) were surveyed at four high-risk river drowning sites. Respondents were asked the last time they undertook CPR (responses converted into: 'CPR ever undertaken' -yes/no; and 'CPR training current' -yes/no (training undertaken ≤12 months ago). Responses were explored by demographics and social determinants of health.
RESULTS: Of those surveyed (N=688), 98.4% responded regarding CPR. Seventy-five percent (74.9%) had undertaken CPR training previously. Females and 35-44 year olds were more likely to have undertaken training (p<0.05). Males and older people (65+ years) were less likely to hold a current qualification (p<0.05). Major city residents reported a longer mean time (5.4 years) since last trained than remote and very remote locations (2.0 years). People in low socio-economic areas had a shorter time since qualification current (5.8 years) than those in areas deemed high (7.2 years).
CONCLUSION: Current CPR qualifications are important, particularly among those visiting high-risk river drowning locations. System-level, upstream strategies that should be explored include compulsory CPR training in secondary schools and linking CPR updates to motor vehicle licence renewals. SO WHAT?: CPR is a vital component of multi-faceted river drowning prevention. Social determinants of health, such as socio-economic disadvantage and geographical isolation, were not barriers to participation or currency of qualification.
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Language: en |