CPR Training to Immigrants with Limited English Proficiency: Where is the class?

Background: Limited access to CPR skills hinders LEP communities' capacity to respond to life-threatening emergencies. Methods: We conducted 4 focus groups with adult Chinese immigrants with limited English proficiency to understand 1) their understanding of CPR skills, 2) awareness of formal CPR training and instructions offered in the community, and 3) motivation to participate in learning CPR. Men and women of 18 years old and older who self-reported LEP were invited to participate in a focus group of 8 to 10 individuals. A bilingual facilitator conducted all the focus groups. Each focus group discussion was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results: Many had not heard of CPR and some confused it with the term "first aid." Participants have very limited knowledge about the procedure involved. None had heard of the new guidelines. Nearly all participants did not know where to get trained. When asked, the majority of participants would be willing to perform CPR to a family member if they had received the training. Some female participants expressed concerns about performing CPR on a male or stranger and that calling 9-1-1 would be the most appropriate response instead of performing CPR. Conclusion: LEP individuals are willing to learn CPR and recognize it is a life-saving measure. However, chances to develop CPR skills are limited because of lack of educational opportunities. More effective dissemination strategies of CPR training in LEP communities are needed.