Improving Perceptions, Knowledge, and Skills of Bystander CPR and AED use in the Mandarin-Speaking Immigrant Community.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 40% of patients receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the U.S., with potentially lower rates among non-White individuals. Despite increasing efforts to promote bystander intervention in different racial communities, few educational programs target the Mandarin-speaking community. To address these gaps, we designed, implemented, and evaluated Mandarin CPR and AED workshops for Mandarin-speaking immigrants in the Greater New Haven area. METHODS: Participants were recruited through collaboration with a Chinese school and church. Participants filled out pre-workshop surveys that assessed demographics, knowledge on CPR and AED use, and perceptions of bystander interventions. Participants then completed a workshop which included a presentation, a live demonstration on a CPR manikin, and hands-on small-group practice. After the workshop, participants completed a post-workshop survey with the same knowledge and perception questions. Finally, they were assessed on CPR skills and AED use by trained instructors. RESULTS: Eighty-five participants were included in final analyses. Of these, 52% reported limited English proficiency, 80% had never learned CPR, and 72% did not know what an AED looked like. Post-workshop, participants demonstrated increased knowledge as well as increased willingness to and confidence in performing CPR (p < 0.001). All 85 participants passed the skills assessment. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that interactive, Mandarin CPR and AED workshops positively influenced participants' perceptions of bystander interventions and improved their knowledge and skills. We propose these language-congruent workshops as a feasible and effective intervention that can be implemented for diverse populations.