Half of Scots unhappy over performing CPR

Half of Scotland’s adults would not feel confident performing CPR, according to a new study.

The research is the first of its kind to examine the willingness of Scots to carry out the life-saving procedure.

Findings from the University of Stirling-led study show 50 per cent of 1,027 people surveyed said they would not feel confident administering bystander CPR – with a further 21 per cent saying they would not know if it was required.

Research fellow Fiona Dobbie said: “The findings of our study will help develop policy and future interventions to improve the rate of bystander CPR.

“From a policy perspective, there is a need for more tailored and targeted interven- tions to encourage CPR training, which has been linked with improving confidence in CPR.

“As confidence increases, so does the likelihood of providing emergency aid in an out-ofhospital cardiac arrest.”

A fear of causing injury to the victim was the reason 22 per cent said they would not perform CPR while 19 per cent said they would be reluctant due to lack of skills.

A total of 19 per cent said visible vomit or blood would put them off and another 16 per cent would be discouraged by signs that the ill person is a drug user, the poll found.

The team found confidence was affected by age, social grade and employment status.

Results show the older the person was, the less likely they were to be trained in or feel confident to administer CPR.