title: The association of layperson characteristics with the quality of simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few studies have examined the association of layperson characteristics with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provision. Previous studies suggested provider characteristics, including age and gender, were associated with CPR quality, particularly chest compression (CC) depth. We sought to determine the association of subject characteristics, including age and gender with layperson CPR quality during an unannounced simulated CPR event. We hypothesized shallower CC depth in females, and older-aged subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a larger multicenter randomized controlled trial of CPR training for cardiac patients' caregivers, CPR skills were assessed 6 months after training. We analyzed associations between subject characteristics and CC rate, CC depth and no-flow time. Each variable was analyzed independently; significant predictors determined via univariate analysis were assessed in a multivariate regression model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 521 laypersons completed a 6-month CPR skills assessment and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 51.8±13.7 years, 75% were female, 57% were Caucasian. Overall, mean CC rate was 88.5±25.0 per minute, CC depth was 50.9±2.0 mm, and mean no-flow time was 15.9±2.7 sec/min. CC depth decreased significantly in subjects >62 years (P<0.001). Male subjects performed deeper CCs than female subjects (47.5±1.7 vs. 41.9±0.6,P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found that layperson age >62 years and female gender are associated with shallower CC depth.
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leary
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Buckler
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Daiane A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Saraiva
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Berg
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Vinay M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Nadkarni
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Audrey L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Blewer
authors.affiliation: Center for Resuscitation Science and Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Abella
keywords: Bystander; CPR quality; Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Demographics; Layperson