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virtual learning
training
innovation

Virtual reality training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in schools

02 September 2021
Features
02 September 2021
Volume 13 · Issue 9

Abstract

The UK average survival rate from out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is 8.6%, which is significantly lower than in comparable countries where survival rates can exceed 20%. A cardiac arrest victim is two to four times more likely to survive OHCA with bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Mandatory teaching of CPR in schools is an effective way, endorsed by the World Health Organization, to train the entire population and improve the bystander CPR rate. Despite this, as with other UK home nations, there is significant variation in provision of CPR training within schools in Wales. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers an accessible, immersive way to teach CPR skills to schoolchildren. Computer scientists at the University of Chester and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust developed Virtual Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (VCPR), which can be used to teach children CPR skills. There were three stages: identifying requirements and specifications; development of a prototype; and management—development of software, further funding and exploring opportunities for commercialisation.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is the third leading cause of death in industrialised nations (Gräsner et al, 2020). The EuReCa TWO study (Gräsner et al, 2020) collects data from 28 countries in Europe covering a total population of 178 879 118. Between 1 October and 31 December 2017, it reported 37 054 confirmed OHCAs, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started in 25 171 cases.

Despite significant advances in interventions provided by emergency medical services (EMS), OHCA survival rates have not improved significantly across these 28 countries in 30 years, and range from 8.6% to 20% (Hawkes et al, 2017a; 2017b; Dyson et al, 2019; NHS England 2020). OHCA survival in the UK is around 8% (NHS England, 2020), which is lower than in similar developed countries, where survival rates of over 20% are achieved (Division of Emergency Medical Services, Public Health–Seattle & King County, 2013; Hawkes et al, 2017a; Dyson et al, 2019).

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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Virtual reality
Teaching CPR to children
Schoolchildren