Cristian Abelairas-Gomez

Schoolchildren as life savers: At what age do they become strong enough?

OBJECTIVEnIt is not clear when schoolchildren become enough strong to perform good quality chest compressions (CC). Our purpose was to assess CC quality in schoolchildren.nnnMETHODSn721 children, 10-15 years old (YO) participated in 1 h hands-on training session. Subjects were tested during performing 2 min of continuous CC by means of Laerdal Resusci Anne(®) with Skillreporter(®), without feedback.nnnRESULTSnMean compression depth (MCD) increased with age, from 30.7 mm in 10YO to 42.9 mm in 15YO (p<0.05) and was related to height, weight, and BMI. Boys delivered significantly deeper CC than girls in the 10, 13, 14 and 15YO groups (p<0.001). The percentage of children who achieved the MCD goal (50-60 mm), increased with age, from 0.0% at 10 years to 26.5% at 15 years (p<0.001). Mean compression rate (MCR) ranged from 121 min(-1) in 15YO to 134 min(-1) in 12YO. The percentage of children who achieved a CC rate inside the goal (100-120 min(-1)), ranged from 20.3% in 11YO to 31.0% in 15YO. Correct CC fraction was low and ranged from 2% in the 10YO to 22% in the 15YO (p<0.05). Children older than 13YO obtained better results than younger ones for all analyzed variables (p<0.001). Performance decreased with time: 12% of children achieved >50% of correct CC fraction in first minute, while only 5% did it in second minute (p<0.001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnIn schoolchildren, age, sex and anthropometry are significant CPR quality factors. Although quality increases with age, their global performance is poor. Thirteen years is the minimum age to be able to achieve a minimum CPR quality similar to the one adult possess. CPR performance in schoolchildren significantly deteriorates within 60 s.

Effect of physical fatigue on the quality CPR: a water rescue study of lifeguards: Physical fatigue and quality CPR in a water rescue☆

PURPOSEnThe purpose of the study is to analyze the influence of the fatigue caused by a water rescue on the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance.nnnMETHODSnThe sample of our research is composed of a group of 60 lifeguards (30 men and 30 women) who have been trained at the Universities of A Coruña and Vigo. Two tests were conducted: the first test involved the execution of 5 min of CPR (rested), and the second one in performing water rescue and subsequent CPR (exhausted) for 5 minutes. The quality of the CPR at rest and at fatigue condition was compared. The recording instrument was the Laerdal Resusci Anne manikin. The time of the water rescue was also registered.nnnRESULTSnGender does not significantly influence CPR, either at rest or at fatigue condition. However, the fatigue caused by rescue has a significant influence on the total quantity of chest compressions: rested (380 ± 38.64); exhausted (411 ± 56.09; P < .001) and ventilations: rested (24 ± 2.97); exhausted (26 ± 3.92; P < .001). Also in correct chest compressions: rested (285 ± 82.67); exhausted (246 ± 122.08; P = .02) and ventilations: rested (14 ± 7.09); exhausted (9 ± 6.67; P < .001). As far as the water rescue is concerned, men are faster (261 ± 34.58 s) when compared to women (326 ± 99.87 seconds; P = .001).nnnCONCLUSIONnThe accumulated fatigue during a water rescue performed by lifeguards reduces the quality of chest compressions and ventilations on the CPR.

Impact of error self-perception of aerobic capacity in the safety and efficacy of the lifeguards

Introduction. The strong physical demands that are required of lifeguards during rescues also require an accurate self-perception of ones fitness level to be able to regulate the intensity of effort. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the real aerobic capacity (RAC) and to compare it with two self-reported measurements: subjective appraisal of aerobic capacity (SAAC) and appraisal of physical exercise (APE). Methods. Fifty-two professional lifeguards were included in the study. For an objective assessment of RAC, the lifeguards’ maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) values were measured during treadmill stress tests. A fitness assessment questionnaire was used to obtain the SAAC and APE values. Results. We found a statistically significant association between the APE and RAC variables in the contingency analysis (pu2009<u20090.001). In total, 93.7% of the lifeguards who obtained a VO2max value below 43 ml kg−1u2005min−1 considered their aerobic capacity to be high or very high. Conclusion. This self-perception error of true aerobic capacity could lead to premature fatigue during a rescue, endangering both the lifeguards life and the life of the victim. These data may help lifeguards and beach managers to become aware of the need to know lifeguards’ true physical conditions through testing and structured training programs.

Consecuencias de la diferencia de edad en el aula: Un estudio observacional en niños y niñas de cuatro años

En los sistemas escolares se establecen fechas de corte para agrupar a los alumnos y alumnas en funcion de la edad. Esta medida conlleva a que en una misma aula se encuentre alumnado con diferencias de edad hasta de un ano. El proposito de este estudio fue analizar la diferencia en el desarrollo de ninos y ninas de cuatro anos en funcion del trimestre de nacimiento. Ochenta y cinco alumnos y alumnas participaron de forma voluntaria en el estudio. Se utilizo la Escala Observacional del Desarrollo como instrumento de valoracion. Se observaron diferencias entre los ninos y ninas nacidas en los dos primeros trimestres del ano, respecto a los nacidos en el ultimo, (p = 0.002). Mencionadas diferencias en una misma aula deberian ser solventadas mediante reformas a nivel educativo. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en funcion del sexo.