Edward Hospital is the first in the Chicagoland area to be using a new CPR training machine.
CPR certifications normally last two years for Edward-Elmhurst hospital workers before they have to get recertified.
During that time, they may not have to use the skill at all, which can lead to less effective CPR when it is needed.
“Our quality is sometimes not where we want it to be because of training only every two years. Studies show our skills start to deteriorate after six months of taking a class. This system will let us practice on a much regular basis,” said Amanda Hunt, manager for simulation and training for Edward-Elmhurst Health.
The system is a new machine from the American Heart Association Resuscitation Quality Improvement program.
The mobile cart is wheeled to different locations throughout the hospital where it’s available for staff to stop by and practice. The machine even gives live feedback on the technique of the user to help them improve.
The hospital is requiring all staff to pass a skills test on the machine every three months to stay sharp. By doing so, they will no longer be required to take a class every two years to get recertified.
The national in-hospital cardiac arrest survival rate is just 24 percent. While Edward Hospital’s is higher at 42 percent, they hope this machine raises it further.
Naperville News 17’s Blane Erwin reports.
