[National evaluation of knowledge and practice of cardiopulmonary resuscitation of children and infants in the field].
BACKGROUND
After the publication of new recommendations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (2005 guidelines and 2006 French recommendations), we conducted a study amongst EMS teams concerning their approach with children and infants, nationwide. The objective was to measure the level of knowledge of guidelines and practice.


METHODS
The online questionnaire was offered to emergency physicians belonging to the French emergency database, between November 1st and December 15th 2007. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded from the study. We recorded: profile of personnel, knowledge of guidelines, basic CPR and advanced CPR parameters.


RESULTS
Four hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were analyzed. Personnel was aged under 40 in 50.2 %, with 2-5 years experience in prehospital emergency care (57.6 %); 51,3 % declared having had training in pediatric CPR. A minority of subjects declared knowing the 2005 Guidelines (35 %), more the French 2006 recommendations (62.5 %). Basic CPR: transition age child/adult known in 30.3 %. Compression/ventilation ratio: 30/2 for one rescuer in 50.2 % (child), 46.5 % (infant); 15/2 for two or more rescuers in 57.6 % (child), 48 % (infant). AED age for use (1 year old) known in 59.8 %. Advanced CPR: epinephrine dose known in 89.3 % (intravenous) and 34.3 % (tracheal). External shock known in 57.2 %.


CONCLUSIONS
This study emphasizes the lack of knowledge, especially with regard to first aid. Formations will be developed.
Goddet
N-S
NS
Samu 92-Smur de Garches, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, AP-HP, 92380 Garches, France. sybille.goddet@rpc.aphp.fr
Lode
N
N
Descatha
A
A
Dolveck
F
F
Pès
P
P
Chabernaud
J-L
JL
Baer
M
M
Fletcher
D
D
D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged