Visual-aided directions are superior to verbal instruction only in obtaining hand position for cardiopulmonary resuscitation

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to test if instruction without visual directions is sufficient to obtain the recommended hand position for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).MethodGroup A (n = 12) was verbally instructed to “place the heel of the hand in the center of the chest.” Group B (n = 10) was verbally instructed to “place the heel of the hand in the middle of the lower half of the breastbone.” Subsequently, both groups again received the same verbal instruction aided by visual directions. The distance from the recommended hand position was compared before and after visual directions.Main ResultsFive participants in Group A (42%) and 1 in Group B (10%) placed their hands in the epigastrium. In both groups, hand position significantly improved after visual directions (Group A: 5.7 ± 2.4 vs 2.1 ± 0.8 cm, P < .001, and Group B: 4.5 ± 2.5 vs 2.0 ± 1.2 cm, P = .005).ConclusionsInstruction including visual direction was superior to verbal instruction only in obtaining hand position for CPR.