Kim, H.M.; Kang, D.Y.; Kim, T., and Lee, J., 2017. Analysis of the awareness change of public CPR training in metropolitan Seoul from 2011 to 2015. In: Lee, J.L.; Griffiths, T.; Lotan, A.; Suh, K.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), The 2nd International Water Safety Symposium. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 79, pp. 30–34. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is the first response for a drowning victim. The quick action of lifeguards and facility operators is crucial to elevate the survival rate. However, there are plenty of beaches and waterfronts without lifeguards; therefore, bystander CPR is equally as important. To increase bystander CPR, public education is essential. This study analyzes the changing perceptions of CPR training and the change in people's confidence in executing CPR after a public CPR education program in metropolitan Seoul from 2011 to 2015. The participants were public school students, teachers, social workers, and public staff who reside in metropolitan Seoul. Between 2011 and 2015, 205,949 people participated in a public CPR training program organized by Lifesaving Society Korea. After each 2–4 hour-long training, course operators collected a questionnaire. Researchers separated the collected results into two categories-program type and training format- and from there further separated the results. In the program type (hours) category, researchers used the following delineations: (1) 2-hour long adult CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator); (2) 3-hour adult, pediatric, and infant CPR and airway obstruction; (3) 3-hour adult CPR, AED, and airway obstruction; and (4) 4-hour adult, pediatric, and infant CPR, AED, and airway obstruction. The training format category was further broken up as follows: (1) alternating explanations of skills with practice and (2) full lecture followed by practice. Compared to 2011, which is regarded as the beginning of the public CPR training movement an increasing number of participants responded that they have participated in CPR training before and that they had confidence in their ability to execute CPR. Most participants preferred a small class size class-no more than 20 participants- some participants described the benefits of using simple words rather than medical terminology. There is no significant difference in satisfaction with different instructors. Periodic recertification and public CPR awareness programs contribute positively to CPR execution confidence and willingness to perform CPR in everyday life. Therefore, this study concludes that public CPR programs should be expanded to more schools, work places, and public facilities. In addition, public CPR training programs need to better explain first aid. Using this study's results, training policies-such as recertification period, training format, and hours- can be modified to improve the programs' effectiveness.