Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education with a feedback device is known to result in better CPR skills compared to one without the feedback device. However, its long-term benefits have not been established. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term CPR skill retention after training using real-time visual feedback vs non-feedback manikins.
 Methods: We recruited 120 general university students who were randomly divided into a real-time feedback group (RTFG) and a non-feedback group (NFG). Of them, 95 (RTFG: 48, NFG: 47) attended basic life support (BLS) and automated external defibrillation (AED) training for 1 h. The two groups were evaluated on the basis of 2-min chest compression, performed immediately after training, and at 3, 6, and 9 months, to compare the retention of CPR skills.
 Results: Using a generalized linear model to compare the CPR parameters between the two groups duringthe overall periods, the RTFG performed significantly deeper chest compressions with a higher percentage of adequate chest compression depth (p < 0.001 for both). In comparison CPR parameters at each follow up, RTFG showed significantly deeper chest compressions and higher percentage of adequate compression depth until 6 months. There was no significant difference in the chest compression rate per minute and the correct hand position rate.
 Conclusions: CPR training with a real-time visual feedback manikin was a more effective educational method for BLS. It helped trainees to perform chest compressions with more adequate depth compared to the NFG for up to 6 months after the training.

6 - Long-term benefits of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training using real time visual feedback manikins