Annals of emergency medicine
-
In 1979-1980, 950 telephone company personnel were trained and tested at the basic rescuer level on recording manikins. In October 1981, a random group of 40 were retested without warning on the recording manikin. Skills retention was measured by comparing the tapes from training and retesting. ⋯ However, the effective performance group on the average were younger, and the majority had first aid training in addition to their CPR training. Only one had CPR retraining. This study supports the following recommendations: 1) lay basic rescuers should be retrained within the first year; 2) further studies of the factors influencing retention are advisable; 3) the younger age groups should be the first priority for citizen CPR training; and 4) because first aid training appears to improve CPR retention, training in both should be encouraged.