Too Much Puff, Not Enough Push? Surf Lifeguard Simulated CPR Performance

Authors

Kevin Moran, The University of AucklandFollow
Jonathon Webber, The University of AucklandFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.01.03

Disciplines

Exercise Physiology | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Leisure Studies | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Outdoor Education | Recreation Business | Sports Management | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to report on the technical competency of volunteer surf lifeguards to perform CPR on a manikin in light of their lifeguard experience, age, and gender. The CPR skills of surf lifeguards on patrol at the beginning of the 2010-11 summer season were tested on manikins by observation of CPR procedures and electronic recording of compression and ventilation skills. Almost all lifeguards (n=252) made the appropriate initial checks for responsiveness (98%). Compression skills were generally performed accurately with few technical errors (such as incomplete release). Most lifeguards (87%) over-ventilated the lungs (> 600ml) on each breath and, of these, one third (31%) over-ventilated to a point that may worsen gastric distension (>1000ml). Males were significantly more likely (2 = 28.965, df = 14, p = 0.011) to over-inflate the lungs during testing. Reasons for poor performance are discussed and ways of addressing errors are suggested.

Recommended Citation

Moran, Kevin and Webber, Jonathon (2013) "Too Much Puff, Not Enough Push? Surf Lifeguard Simulated CPR Performance," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 7: No. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.01.03
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol7/iss1/3