Improving Perceptions, Knowledge, and Skills of Bystander CPR and AED use in the Mandarin-Speaking Immigrant Community.

introductionApproximately 40% of patients receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the U.S., with potentially lower rates among non-White individuals. Despite increasing efforts to promote bystander intervention in different racial communities, few educational programs target the Mandarin-speaking community. To address these gaps, we designed, implemented, and evaluated Mandarin CPR and AED workshops for Mandarin-speaking immigrants in the Greater New Haven area.

methodsParticipants were recruited through collaboration with a Chinese school and church. Participants filled out pre-workshop surveys that assessed demographics, knowledge on CPR and AED use, and perceptions of bystander interventions. Participants then completed a workshop which included a presentation, a live demonstration on a CPR manikin, and hands-on small-group practice. After the workshop, participants completed a post-workshop survey with the same knowledge and perception questions. Finally, they were assessed on CPR skills and AED use by trained instructors.

resultsEighty-five participants were included in final analyses. Of these, 52% reported limited English proficiency, 80% had never learned CPR, and 72% did not know what an AED looked like. Post-workshop, participants demonstrated increased knowledge as well as increased willingness to and confidence in performing CPR (p < 0.001). All 85 participants passed the skills assessment.

conclusionThis study demonstrates that interactive, Mandarin CPR and AED workshops positively influenced participants' perceptions of bystander interventions and improved their knowledge and skills. We propose these language-congruent workshops as a feasible and effective intervention that can be implemented for diverse populations.