Coastal Fishermen as Lifesavers While Sailing at High Speed:A Crossover Study

Abstract

[Abstract] Purpose. Starting basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) early improves survival. Fishermen are the first bystanders while atwork. Our objective was to test in a simulated scenario the CPR quality performed by fishermen while at port and while navigatingat different speeds. Methods. Twenty coastal fishermen were asked to perform 2 minutes of CPR (chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilations) on a manikin, in three different scenarios: (A) at port on land, (B) on the boat floor sailing at 10 knots, and(C) sailing at 20 knots. Data was recorded using quality CPR software, adjusted to current CPR international guidelines. Results.The quality of CPR (QCPR) was significantly higher at port (43% ± 10) than sailing at 10 knots (30% ± 15; 𝑝� = 0.01) or at 20 knots(26% ± 12; 𝑝� = 0.001). The percentage of ventilation that achieved some lung insufflation was also significantly higher when CPRwas done at port (77% ± 14) than while sailing at 10 knots (59% ± 18) or 20 knots (57% ± 21) (𝑝� = 0.01). Conclusion. In the event ofdrowning or cardiac arrest on a small boat, fishermen should immediately start basic CPR and navigate at a relatively high speedto the nearest port if the sea conditions are safe.