Short Survey on CPR and AED Training in Rural BC Schools: Preliminary Findings and Hypothesis-Generating Insights

BackgroundBritish Columbia (BC) faces over 7,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) annually, disproportionately affecting rural areas due to slower emergency medical service (EMS) response and limited specialized care. Despite known benefits of automated external defibrillator (AED) access and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, their status in rural BC schools is poorly documented.MethodsWe used an online survey with principals and vice-principals of rural schools in BC. The survey assessed AED accessibility, prevalence of CPR and AED training and obstacles to implementing such training. Questions covered school demographics, AED installation, and CPR/AED training for staff and students.ResultsWe recruited 23 (46%) elementary (kindergarten - grade 7), 6 (12%) middle (grades 6 - 8), and 21 (42%) high schools (grades 8 - 12). 72% (36 out of 50) had at least one AED installed, 46% required staff CPR training, and 24% provided student CPR training. Significant gaps in training were noted for elementary and middle school students compared to high schools (p<0.05).ConclusionsDisparities in AED and CPR training across rural schools in BC exist, highlighting a need for policy improvements and innovative solutions to enhance first aid education. Barriers to implementing CPR and AED training included lack of funding, curricular priority, time constraints, and limited resources. Despite a 10.3% response rate, this study reveals significant disparities in AED and CPR training across school levels in rural BC, underscoring the need for targeted policies and educational strategies to enhance emergency preparedness and improve cardiac arrest outcomes in underserved areas.