title: A multiple linear regression analysis of factors affecting the simulated Basic Life Support (BLS) performance with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in Flemish lifeguards.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research investigating lifeguards' performance of Basic Life Support (BLS) with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Assessing simulated BLS/AED performance in Flemish lifeguards and identifying factors affecting this performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six hundred and sixteen (217 female and 399 male) certified Flemish lifeguards (aged 16-71 years) performed BLS with an AED on a Laerdal ResusciAnne manikin simulating an adult victim of drowning. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with BLS/AED performance as outcome variable and demographic data as explanatory variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean BLS/AED performance for all lifeguards was 66.5%. Compression rate and depth adhered closely to ERC 2010 guidelines. Ventilation volume and flow rate exceeded the guidelines. A significant regression model, F(6, 415)=25.61, p<.001, ES=.38, explained 27% of the variance in BLS performance (R2=.27). Significant predictors were age (beta=-.31, p<.001), years of certification (beta=-.41, p<.001), time on duty per year (beta=-.25, p<.001), practising BLS skills (beta=.11, p=.011), and being a professional lifeguard (beta=-.13, p=.029). 71% of lifeguards reported not practising BLS/AED.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Being young, recently certified, few days of employment per year, practising BLS skills and not being a professional lifeguard are factors associated with higher BLS/AED performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Measures should be taken to prevent BLS/AED performances from decaying with age and longer certification. Refresher courses could include a formal skills test and lifeguards should be encouraged to practise their BLS/AED skills.
authors: KU Leuven, Physical Activity, Sports & Health Research Group, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: Peter.iserbyt@faber.kuleuven.be.
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Iserbyt
authors: KU Leuven, Physical Activity, Sports & Health Research Group, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Gilles
authors: G
authors: Schouppe
authors: KU Leuven, Specific Teacher Training Programme in Health Sciences, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
authors: Nathalie
authors: N
authors: Charlier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001530:Belgium; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education*; D047548:Defibrillators; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D008875:Middle Aged; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000628:therapy*; D013551:Swimming Pools; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: CPR; Education; Lifeguard; Training